January 1-31

National Eye Care Month

Don't turn a blind eye to your vision - join us in raising awareness and promoting healthy habits during National Eye Care Month!

Yearly Date

January 1

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Start off the new year by taking care of your eyes with National Eye Care Month! Held every January, this month-long observance is dedicated to promoting healthy vision and raising awareness about the importance of regular eye exams. Did you know that the first recorded eye exam was performed in ancient Egypt around 1500 BCE? Today, advancements in technology have made it easier than ever to detect and treat eye conditions. So let's kick off the new year by showing our eyes some love and making sure they're in tip-top shape!

National Eye Care Month Timeline

1805

Inception of Ophthalmology

The first eye hospital, Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, opened, marking the beginning of modern ophthalmology.

1851

Jaeger's Eye Chart

Eduard Jaeger first introduces the Jaeger eye chart, a tool that is widely utilized for monitoring visual acuity.

1940

Snellen Chart Standardized

The standardized Snellen Chart is accepted as the universal testing method for visual acuity, replacing the older charts.

1970

LASIK Introduction

The first distance refractive surgery, keratomileusis, later known as LASIK, is performed by Jose Barraquer in Columbia.

1989

National Eye Care Month Declared

Prevent Blindness, the US non-profit organization, established January as National Eye Care Month to promote awareness about eye health and safety.

2000s

Digital Eye Strain Awareness

Due to the rise in digital devices, awareness and understanding of digital eye strain has become increasingly important, leading to emphasis on regular eye checkups.

How to Celebrate National Eye Care Month

1 Schedule an eye exam

The best way to celebrate National Eye Care Month is by taking care of your own eyes. Schedule an eye exam with your optometrist to ensure your eyes are healthy and that you have the correct prescription for glasses or contacts.

2 Organize an eye health event

Gather a group of friends, family, or coworkers and organize an eye health event. This could include presentations from eye care professionals, free vision screenings, and information on how to maintain good eye health.

3 Educate yourself on eye health

Take some time to research and learn about different ways to take care of your eyes. This could include reading articles, watching videos, or attending a workshop on eye health.

4 Support a vision-related charity

Donate to or volunteer with a charity that focuses on improving eye health and providing resources to those in need. This is a great way to give back and help spread awareness about the importance of eye care.

5 Promote eye health on social media

Use your platform on social media to share tips and information about eye health. You could also participate in online challenges or post pictures of you wearing your glasses or contacts to show your support for National Eye Care Month.

Why National Eye Care Month is Important

Promotes overall health and wellness

Taking care of your eyes is an important part of maintaining good health. Regular eye exams can not only catch potential vision problems, but also detect other underlying health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain cancers.

Prevents vision loss and impairment

By regularly getting your eyes checked and addressing any potential issues early on, you can prevent or slow down the progression of common eye conditions that may lead to permanent vision loss. This includes diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Saves money in the long run

Early detection and treatment of eye problems can save you from costly procedures or surgeries in the future. Plus, keeping up with regular check-ups can help prevent future eye problems from occurring - leading to less strain on your wallet.