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Ready to really 'see' what's going on? National Eye Health Week, which begins every year on September 23, is the perfect time to focus on our precious sight! Launched in the UK in 2009, this important awareness week has gained international attention, celebrating the importance of good eye health and the steps we can take to preserve our vision. Can you believe that up to 50% of sight loss is avoidable? This makes National Eye Health Week, more than just a week – it’s an opportunity to influence futures. So, let's take a closer look at our eye care, get those needed check-ups, and boost awareness about vision health!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Launch of National Eye Health Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Eye Health Week was initiated in the UK to raise awareness about eye health and common eye conditions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Growing Participation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Major organizations join the event, including optical retailers, health professionals, manufacturers, and charitable organizations, indicating its growing importance.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inaugural Vision Van</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Vision Van tour launches, offering free eye tests in various locations throughout National Eye Health Week.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Eye Health Week's popularity extends beyond the UK, reaching other countries and raising international awareness on the importance of eye health.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Digital Campaigns</div><div class='timeline-text'>The use of digital platforms increases, with campaigns incorporating social media and online resources to spread key messages about eye health.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Start a vision awareness campaign</h3><p class='facts-text'>Utilize your social media channels to spread awareness about the importance of maintaining good eye health. You can share facts, tips, and personal stories to engage your followers. You could even start a challenge encouraging others to get an eye test this week.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Attend an eye health workshop or seminar</h3><p class='facts-text'>Look for eye health workshops or seminars in your community or online. These events often feature expert speakers who can provide valuable information about maintaining eye health and preventing vision loss. </p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraising event</h3><p class='facts-text'>Plan a charity run, bake sale, or other fundraising event to raise money for an eye health charity. It’s a fun way to support research efforts and provides much needed resources for those with visual impairments.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Try out eye-healthy foods</h3><p class='facts-text'>Curate a weeklong meal plan incorporating foods that are beneficial for eye health. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and fatty acids are all essential for maintaining good vision. This is not only a healthier choice but also a fun experiment to do!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a blindness simulation activity</h3><p class='facts-text'>Want to get a perspective on what life is like for those with vision impairment? Organize a 'be blind for a day' event. This will raise awareness about the challenges faced by the visually impaired and generate empathy for their experiences.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>National Eye Health Week raises vital awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This week is not just about highlighting the importance of sight, but also about promoting the need for regular eye checks to prevent avoidable vision loss. With the fact that half of sight loss being avoidable, raising awareness through this event can truly influence futures and save many from unnecessary sight deterioration.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Activates community involvement and education</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Eye Health Week serves as a platform for communities to come together and learn about eye health through workshops, seminars and social media campaigns. It offers everyone the opportunity to learn from experts in eye health about how they can better take care of their eyesight.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Focuses on practical actions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Eye Health Week not only spreads awareness but it also encourages tangible actions like trying out eye-healthy foods or launching a vision awareness campaign. This week-long focus gives each individual the chance to take a step to improve and maintain good vision health, making it much more than just an awareness campaign.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Blindness affects millions globally</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 285 million people worldwide are visually impaired, out of which 39 million are blind. National Eye Health Week helps to shed light on this widespread issue.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Regular eye tests can detect other health issues</h3><p class='facts-content'>Did you know that regular eye exams can do more than check your vision? They can also detect early signs of conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain forms of cancer.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Most people don't take action until they notice problems</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to research, around 50% of people wait until they notice a decline in their vision to get their eyes tested. National Eye Health Week hopes to encourage preventative action with regular check-ups.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>UV rays can damage the eyes, not just the skin</h3><p class='facts-content'>Excessive exposure to UV rays over time can harm your eyes and lead to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Remember to reach for sunglasses with UV protection even on overcast days!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The majority of people will need vision correction at some point</h3><p class='facts-content'>It's estimated that nearly two-thirds of adults in developed countries use some form of vision correction, such as glasses or contact lenses. Regular eye tests are vital for managing and treating vision problems effectively.</p></div></div>
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