Once again, the Ophthalmology24 team is promoting eye care. This time by raising vision awareness about eye health observances and special days throughout the year. We believe this comprehensive 2023 calendar serves as an invaluable resource for individuals, healthcare professionals, and organizations. Especially those actively engaged in preserving and improving 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 2023
Each month features special days, significant dates, campaigns, and initiatives to educate, engage, and inspire action within the global community.
JANUARY
Glaucoma Awareness Month
World Braille Day
Glaucoma Awareness Month
Date: All month
January marks a dedicated time to shine a spotlight on one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Throughout this month, individuals and healthcare workers come together to raise awareness about glaucoma, its risk factors, and the need for early detection and treatment.
During Glaucoma Awareness Month, there are educational campaigns, free screenings, and community outreach programs. The aim is to empower individuals with knowledge about glaucoma, its impact on vision, and the available treatment options.
With no early symptoms, it is crucial to encourage regular eye screenings. That is the only way to catch glaucoma in its first stages. On-time interventions make a difference.
World Braille Day
Date: January 4, 2023
World Braille Day on January 4th, raises awareness about the importance of Braille as a tactile reading and writing system for people who are blind or visually impaired. It celebrates the achievements of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille code. It also highlights the ongoing need for accessibility and inclusion for individuals with visual disabilities.
FEBRUARY
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month
Low Vision Awareness Month
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month
Date: All month
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month, observed in February, aims to increase understanding and knowledge about AMD. This is a common eye condition that affects the central part of the retina (macula), as a result of aging.
The month-long campaign emphasizes the relevance of early detection, regular eye exams, and lifestyle choices that lower the risk of developing AMD. It provides a platform to inform the public about available treatment options and support services for those living with the disorder.
Low Vision Awareness Month
Date: All month
Low Vision Awareness Month, is one of the significant eye health observances in February. This vision awareness month is dedicated to addressing the challenges individuals with low vision face. The observance emphasizes the available resources, support, and adaptive strategies to enhance their quality of life.
The month-long initiative promotes understanding, empathy, and inclusivity among people with low vision. Empowering them to maintain independence and engage in daily activities.
MARCH
Workplace Eye Wellness Month
Save Your Vision Month
World Optometry Day
Workplace Eye Wellness Month
Date: All month
Workplace Eye Wellness Month focuses on promoting eye health and eye safety in the workplace. This awareness initiative aims to educate employers and employees about the importance of eye protection, proper ergonomics, and regular eye exams to prevent work-related eye injuries and maintain long-term visual acuity.
Save Your Vision Month
Date: All month
This is one of the most influential eye health observances. That's because it encourages individuals to prioritize their health and take proactive steps to protect their eyesight. The vision awareness campaign spreads information about common eye conditions. It also elaborates on the role of frequent eye exams and healthy habits for maintaining optimal eye wellness.
World Optometry Day
Date: March 23, 2023
The vision awareness observance recognizes the role of optometry in eye care. This day highlights the contributions of optometrists in providing comprehensive eye examinations, vision correction, and primary eye care services. It also serves as an opportunity to promote eye check-ups.
APRIL
Women's Eye Health and Safety Month
World Health Day
Women's Eye Health and Safety Month
Date: All month
This eye care observance promotes vision awareness about the unique eye health needs and safety considerations for women. The campaign emphasizes how routine eye exams, proper eye protection, and healthy lifestyle choices are crucial. Especially to prevent vision problems and maintain optimal eye health among women of all ages.
World Health Day
Date: April 7, 2023
World Health Day on April 7, 2023, is a global health awareness day with a focus on specific health themes each year. On this day, organizations, communities, and individuals come together to advocate for key health issues and support universal access to healthcare services. It serves as a reminder of the significance of prioritizing overall health, including eye health, as an integral part of our well-being.
MAY
Healthy Vision Month
Myopia Awareness Week
Healthy Vision Month
Date: All month
Healthy vision month is a vision awareness event promoting overall eye health and wellness. The initiative aims to educate the public about good eye health habits, along with regular eye check-ups, healthy dietary and living choices, and proper eye protection.
Myopia Awareness Week
Date: May 22-26, 2023
Myopia Awareness Week focuses on increasing comprehension of myopia, also known as nearsightedness. It elaborates on the causes, risk factors, and potential consequences of the refractive error. The campaign also highlights the fundamental nature of early detection.
JUNE
Cataract Awareness Month
Fireworks Eye Safety Month
National Eyewear Day
Cataract Awareness Month
Date: All month
June is a time to come together and learn more about cataracts. During this month-long initiative, participants spread awareness about the disease and share valuable information about their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
It is a great opportunity to encourage regular visits to the eye doctor's office and remind everyone about the importance of timely care to keep vision sharp. Let's shine a spotlight on cataracts and ensure that people of all ages enjoy a world full of clear and colorful sights!
Fireworks Eye Safety Month
Date: All month
Fireworks Eye Safety Month focuses on eye safety during the use of fireworks. This eye care observance aims to educate the public about the potential risks and hazards of fireworks-related eye injuries. It emphasizes the importance of proper eye protection, responsible use of fireworks, and cautionary measures to prevent eye injuries during festive celebrations.
National Eyewear Day
Date: June 6, 2023
In 2023 National Eyewear Day is celebrated on June 6. It is a day for recognizing the significance of eyewear in vision correction and eye protection. This day emphasizes the necessity of wearing appropriate eyewear, such as prescription glasses, sunglasses, and safety goggles. Their purpose is to enhance visual acuity, shield the eyes from harmful UV rays, and prevent eye injuries.
JULY
UV Safety Awareness Month
National Dry Eye Awareness Month
UV Safety Awareness Month
Date: All month
This eye health observance is a friendly reminder to shield our eyes from the sun's rays. From rocking stylish sunglasses with UV protection to finding shade on sunny days, we can have fun while safeguarding our vision and enjoying the great outdoors.
National Dry Eye Awareness Month
Date: All month
National Dry Eye Month is an invitation to learn more about dry eye syndrome and how to keep our eyes moist. The vision awareness campaign aims to educate the public about causes, symptoms, and ways to find dry eye relief. In July, show some love to our eyes by seeking proper diagnosis and exploring the importance of artificial tears and available treatments.
AUGUST
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
August 2023 is a special time set aside for the well-being of our little ones' eyes. The observance focuses on educating citizens about children's eye health and safety. We encourage parents, caregivers, and educators to prioritize regular eye exams for children, promote eye safety practices, and provide the necessary support to ensure healthy vision development.
National Eye Exam Month
Date: All month
National Eye Exam Month highlights the necessity of routine eye exams for people of all ages. The initiative reminds us to take proactive steps in caring for our vision by scheduling eye examinations. By seeking professional care, we can detect and address potential vision problems early.
Contact Lens Health Week
Date: August 21-25, 2023
The initiative is a friendly reminder to all contact lens wearers about the need for proper lens care and hygiene. During this week in August, we come together to spread the word about the safe use and maintenance of contact lenses through education and helpful tips.
SEPTEMBER
Sports Eye Safety Month
Sports Eye Safety Month
Date: All month
The month-long campaign spreads awareness about sports eye safety and preventing eye injuries during athletic endeavors. By wearing appropriate protective gear, we can participate in sports with confidence, knowing that we are safeguarding our precious vision.
OCTOBER
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 educates the public about potential eye hazards and provides tips for eye injury prevention. By adopting safety practices, using appropriate protective eyewear, and being mindful of our surroundings, we can vastly reduce the risk of eye injuries.
Blindness Awareness Month
Date: All month
October serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges faced by blind and visually impaired individuals. This observance fosters understanding, empathy, and inclusivity. By promoting accessibility, advocating for equal opportunities, and supporting research for vision restoration, we can work towards a more supportive world for those affected by blindness.
Contact Lens Safety Month
Date: All month
Contact Lens Safety Month is a time to prioritize the safe use and care of contact lenses. This campaign educates contact lens wearers about proper hygiene practices, lens storage, and lens replacement schedules.
World Sight Day
Date: October 12, 2023
World Sight Day is a globally recognized day to promote awareness of vision impairment. On this day, individuals, organizations, and communities join forces. They emphasize the advantages of regular eye examinations and support initiatives that enhance vision health worldwide.
NOVEMBER
Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month
Diabetic Eye Awareness Month
Date: All month
This vision awareness initiative is crucial to shed light on the potential eye health risks associated with diabetes, particularly diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. The observance campaign teaches individuals living with diabetes, as well as the general public, about the importance of diabetic eye exams and proactive management of diabetes-related eye conditions.
DECEMBER
Gift of Sight Month
Gift of Sight Month
Date: All month
During Gift of Sight Month, we encourage everyone to take proactive steps to protect and enhance their vision. That includes getting routine eye exams, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and practicing good eye care habits. By nurturing our eye health, we can continue to experience the world with the remarkable gift of sight.
Eye Health Observances Calendar 2023
In this infographic by Ophthalmology24 you will find a summarized version of all the eye health special days throughout the year 2023:
Did we miss an important date in this eyecare observances calendar? Let us know in the comments so we can add it!