World Sight Day 2024: History, Date, Theme, Significance And More

Every year, World Sight Day is observed on the second Thursday of October to raise awareness about vision impairment and blindness.

“World Sight Day can serve as a reminder that adults should prioritize their eye health, too. It is important to take regular breaks during activities such as reading or using digital devices and wear eye protection when using tools and chemicals that could damage the eyes. Smoking and UV exposure should also be avoided, for example, by wearing sunglasses and hats when outdoors, to prevent eye diseases", states the World Health Organization (WHO).

History of World Sight Day

World Sight Day began as part of the "Sight First" campaign organized by the Lions Club International Foundation in 1988.

It was only in 1999, that the World Health Organization (WHO) partnered with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) to officially establish World Sight Day.

The first observance took place on October 12, 2000.

Date and Theme of World Sight Day 2024

This year, World Sight Day falls on October 10, 2024, with the theme “Children, Love Your Eyes".

It aims to debunk myths about vision, as per WHO, and promote a world where children are free from the social stigma associated with wearing glasses or other corrective aids.

Significance of World Sight Day

World Sight Day is significant as it emphasizes the importance of vision care on a global scale. Governments, organizations, and various entities come together to promote eye health by hosting lectures and awareness campaigns.

In many regions, free eye check-up camps are organized, often supported by governments or non-profit organizations.

WHO Initiatives

To ensure that everyone has access to affordable, quality spectacles and related services, the WHO launched the global SPECS 2030 initiative in May 2024, promoting equitable access to vision care worldwide.

Tips to Protect Eyesight

Reducing screen time and visiting a doctor often can identify issues at an early stage. WHO states, “Research shows that reducing screen time and spending time outside protects children from developing short-sightedness (myopia), which means that parents, caregivers and educators have a central role to play in protecting the vision of our future generations". 

WHO invites you on World Sight Day, to pledge to protect the eyes of children, for good eyesight now and tomorrow.