OPTICAL PRISM | FEATURE
# LoveYourEyes this World Sight Day
BY DR . HARRY BOHNSACK , President , Canadian Association of Optometrists
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness was established in 1975 and is dedicated to raising awareness about the problem of global blindness .
The IAPB started World Sight Day , which is Oct . 14 , as a way to bring the international community together for one day to acknowledge the importance of vision in daily life .
Optometrists in Canada support the efforts of the IAPB because we know that Canada is not immune from the very real problems of sight loss .
In fact , the most recent data on the issue of vision loss in Canada indicates that eight million Canadians have vision-threatening eye conditions and 1.2 million are living with vision loss .
The reality is that all Canadians will likely experience an eye health issue at some point in their life ; the aging process makes that inevitable .
What is not inevitable is equitable access to that care , but that is an issue for a different day .
Canadian optometrists have contributed millions of dollars over the years to raise awareness about eye health .
THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF OPTOMETRISTS is the national voice of optometry , providing leadership and support to its more than 5,400 members to enhance the delivery of healthy eyes and clear vision for all Canadians .
We are supporters of the current “ Think About Your Eyes ” campaign , because at the very heart
of this awareness is the principle that all Canadians should have their eyes examined regularly .
The examination is a critical component of eye health and vision care because we know that vision loss can be prevented or treated in 75 or cent of cases .
Not only that , but eyes also provide information about overall health , as some health conditions are visible in the eyes before other symptoms manifest .
The importance of eye exams begins in infancy and through to our golden years . This fact led the
Canadian Association of Optometrists to develop an evidence-based guideline for those examinations : one between six and nine months ; one before starting school , one annually from six to 19 years of age , every two years from 20-64 and annually thereafter .
This year ’ s IAPB campaign for World Sight Day is # LoveYourEyes , which encourages individuals to be aware of their own health and get an eye exam and encourage others to do the same .
It amplifies the message Canadian optometrists share in communities across the country to a global audience .
As we approach World Sight Day , whether you # thinkaboutyoureyes or # LoveYourEyes , please do consider getting an eye exam . OP
30 OPTICAL PRISM | October 2021