Embarking on another year of commitment to eye care, our team shares all the important and upcoming special days and eye health observances. The Ophthalmology Calendar 2024 marks vision awareness milestones and aims to inspire proactive engagement in the field. It's an invaluable resource for patients, eye doctors, medical professionals, and organizations devoted to preserving and enhancing eye welfare.
Table of Content:
1. January
2. February
3. March
4. April
5. May
6. June
7. July
8. August
9. September
10. October
11. November
12. December
Vision Awareness Days in 2024
Every month highlights occasions, special days, eye care advocacy campaigns, and initiatives toward educating, involving, and sparking action within the global community.
JANUARY 2024
Glaucoma Awareness Month
World Braille Day
Glaucoma Awareness Month
Date: All month
In January, we turn our focus to addressing one of the primary causes of blindness on a global scale. This month is an opportunity for patients and medical professionals to unite in raising awareness about glaucoma, including its risk factors and current treatments. Glaucoma Awareness Month features educational programs, community outreach initiatives, and free eye exams. The initiative empowers individuals with a better understanding of glaucoma, how it affects vision, and the array of treatment options.
World Braille Day
Date: January 4, 2024
At the beginning of every year, we celebrate World Braille Day. The day honors Louis Braille, the inventor of Braille, the universal tactile reading and writing system for the blind. This eye health observance raises awareness of the impact of Braille in providing a better experience for the visually challenged and shows the need for disability access and inclusion.
FEBRUARY 2024
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month
Low Vision Awareness Month
AMD Awareness Month
Date: All month
The Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month promotes knowledge about AMD, its risk factors, and the necessity for early detection and proper management. Celebrate this month by providing educational initiatives and campaigns, community outreach programs, and resources on risk reduction. As AMD often progresses with no symptoms early on, February also promotes regular eye check-ups.
Low Vision Awareness Month
Date: All month
The Low Vision Awareness Month addresses the challenges faced by individuals living with low vision. Throughout February, our collective focus is on increasing awareness about vision impairment, its effect on daily life, and the support available. Educational programs, community events, and outreach initiatives shed light on the aspects of vision loss and foster understanding and empathy.
MARCH 2024
Workplace Eye Wellness Month
Save Your Vision Month
World Glaucoma Week
World Optometry Day
Workplace Eye Wellness Month
Date: All month
Eye health and workplace eye safety are the main focus of Workplace Eye Wellness Month. By educating employers and employees about eye protection, ergonomics, and regular eye exams, this initiative aims to prevent work-related eye injuries and maintain long-term vision.
Save Your Vision Month
Date: All month
One of the most influential eye health observances is Save Your Vision Month. It encourages people to protect their eyesight and prioritize their health. Spreading awareness about common eye problems and their management is an integral part of the campaign. Save Your Vision Month also outlines the benefits of regular eye exams and healthy habits.
World Glaucoma Week
Date: March 10-16, 2024
World Glaucoma Week is an international initiative aimed at raising awareness about glaucoma. The week-long campaign seeks to educate the public about the need for eye examinations, early detection, and proper management of the eye condition.
World Optometry Day
Date: March 23, 2024
March 23 celebrates optometry's role in eye care. On this day, optometrists are recognized for providing eye exams, vision correction, and preventative eye care. As a special eye health observance, World Optometry Day is one of the best times to promote eye exams.
APRIL 2024
Women's Eye Health and Safety Month
World Health Day
Women's Eye Health and Safety Month
Date: All month
April is Women's Eye Health and Safety Month, shedding light on the eye health considerations women may encounter. The observance emphasizes the need for regular eye exams, particularly due to hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopause, which can impact vision. The month serves as an opportunity to inform and encourage women to be proactive about their eye health, addressing potential risks.
World Health Day
Date: April 7, 2024
World Health Day is a global annual observance on 7 April, marking the founding day of the World Health Organization (WHO). The day serves as a platform to raise awareness about global health issues. People, organizations, and communities rally together to support universal healthcare access. Activities on World Health Day include events, campaigns, and initiatives led by governments, NGOs, and healthcare organizations.
MAY 2024
Healthy Vision Month
Myopia Awareness Week
Healthy Vision Month
Date: All month
Healthy Vision Month in May is a campaign that aims to raise awareness about eye health. The month highlights the benefits of regular eye screenings, early detection of eye conditions, and adopting healthy habits for optimal vision. Through educational programs and community outreach, the campaign encourages individuals to prioritize eye care.
Myopia Awareness Week
Date: May 13-19, 2024
This awareness week focuses on educating the public about the prevalence of nearsightedness and its consequences. Various campaigns and resources inform individuals about the risk factors of myopia, encourage eye care practices to prevent its progression, and promote early detection.
JUNE 2024
Cataract Awareness Month
Fireworks Eye Safety Month
National Eyewear Day
Nystagmus Awareness Day
Cataract Awareness Month
Date: All month
Cataract Awareness Month takes place annually in June. The initiative raises awareness about cataracts and their impact on vision. It educates the public on the prevalence of cataracts, leading to vision impairment. The campaigns focus on the importance of routine eye examinations, as cataracts are a common age-related condition.
Fireworks Eye Safety Month
Date: All month
June is a time to discuss and learn more about how to use fireworks safely. Fireworks Eye Safety Month educates the public about the risks and severity of fireworks-related eye injuries and how to enjoy festivities responsibly. The campaigns shed light on precautionary measures like proper eye protection and following safety guidelines to minimize eye injuries.
National Eyewear Day
Date: June 6, 2024
National Eyewear Day, observed on June 6th, celebrates the significance of eyewear and prescription glasses in vision correction. It serves as a reminder to get regular eye check-ups and maintain healthy vision. This day fosters awareness about the role of proper eyecare in overall well-being.
Nystagmus Awareness Day
Date: June 20, 2024
International Nystagmus Awareness Day aims to increase understanding and recognition of nystagmus and involuntary eye movements. 20 June encourages awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with nystagmus and promotes support and education within communities.
JULY 2024
UV Safety Awareness Month
National Dry Eye Awareness Month
National Different Colored Eyes Day
UV Safety Awareness Month
Date: All month
UV Safety Awareness Month in July is educating the public about the risks of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, as well as promoting preventive measures to protect the eyes and skin. The focus is the importance of wearing sunglasses with UV protection, hats, and using sunscreen. All to reduce the risk of UV-related eye conditions and skin damage.
Dry Eye Awareness Month
Date: All month
National Dry Eye Awareness Month sheds light on dry eye syndrome. Emphasizing its symptoms, causes, and the need for artificial tears and other treatments. The month-long campaign encourages people to recognize the signs of dry eye, such as redness, irritation, and blurry vision. And to seek medical guidance for diagnosis and management.
Different Colored Eyes Day
Date: July 12, 2024
On July 12th, we celebrate an eye health observance highlighting and appreciating individuals with heterochromia. The National Different Colored Eyes Day aims to promote acceptance, understanding, and appreciation of diverse eye colors.
AUGUST 2024
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
National Eye Exam Month
Contact Lens Health Week
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Date: All month
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month focuses on promoting eye care and safety for the little ones. The month emphasizes the need for regular eye check-ups, early detection of vision problems, and safety measures to protect children's eyes, particularly during activities that may pose risks.
National Eye Exam Month
Date: All month
In August, National Eye Exam Month urges people of all ages to schedule routine eye exams. The focus is on recognizing the pivotal role of eye checkups in identifying and managing eye conditions, ensuring on-time intervention, and preserving optimal vision.
Contact Lens Health Week
Date: August 18-24, 2024
From August 18th to 24th 2024, Contact Lens Health Week spreads awareness about proper contact lens usage and maintenance. Throughout this week-long initiative, you can share and get information about healthy contact lens practices, hygiene, and adherence to wearing schedules to avoid eye problems.
SEPTEMBER 2024
Sports Eye Safety Month
Sports Eye Safety Month
Date: All month
During Sports Eye Safety Month the focus is on promoting the use of protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries and enhance safety for athletes. Protecting the eyes during sports activities allows people to take good care of their vision and confidently participate in sports.
OCTOBER 2024
Eye Injury Prevention Month
Blindness Awareness Month
Contact Lens Safety Month
World Sight Day
Eye Injury Prevention Month
Date: All month
Eye Injury Prevention Month raises awareness of the need to protect one's eyes from potential hazards. The campaign highlights the significance of wearing appropriate eye protection in settings like workplaces, sports activities, and while doing household chores.
Blindness Awareness Month
Date: All month
October draws attention to the challenges of blind and visually impaired individuals. Campaigns focus on fostering inclusion, empathy, and understanding. We can work towards a more accessible world for blind people by advocating for equal opportunities and supporting vision restoration research.
Contact Lens Safety Month
Date: All month
During Contact Lens Safety Month, we focus on safe contact lens use and care. Wearers of contact lenses can learn about proper hygiene practices, lens storage, and replacement schedules, thanks to all the initiatives of clinics and medical companies.
World Sight Day
Date: October 10, 2024
The most global awareness day for vision impairment is World Sight Day. Every year on the 10th of October, organizations, communities, and individuals unite to support causes that advocate for better eye care. Among the priorities is promoting regular eye exams.
NOVEMBER 2024
Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month
Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month
Date: All month
November marks Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about the connection between diabetes and eye health. The focus is on encouraging diabetic eye check-ups for individuals with diabetes, who face a higher risk of developing conditions like diabetic retinopathy.
DECEMBER 2024
Gift of Sight Month
Gift of Sight Month
Date: All month
In December, Gift of Sight Month focuses on advocating for eye health. The initiative highlights the priceless gift of vision and aims to increase awareness about preventable vision problems through educational efforts.
Eye Health Observances Calendar 2024
Find a summary of all the eye health special days in 2024 in this infographic by Ophthalmology24:
Did we miss an important date in this eyecare observances calendar? Let us know so we can add it! Find our contact information in the footer.