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Every October, people around the world mark World Sight Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of eye health, preventing vision loss, and ensuring access to eye care for all. It serves as an important reminder that our eyes deserve attention and care. Vision is central to how we learn, work, connect, and enjoy life — yet it’s often taken for granted until problems arise.
Why World Sight Day Matters
In Canada, millions are at risk of vision loss from conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)1. Many of these conditions develop slowly and without symptoms in the early stages, making early detection essential.
Vision loss can have a profound impact on independence, productivity, and quality of life. With an aging population and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, the demand for eye care continues to grow. The good news is that, in Canada, 90% of vision loss is preventable or treatable with early detection and timely intervention. That’s why World Sight Day is about more than awareness. It is about action.
Protecting your eyesight starts with regular, comprehensive care. A comprehensive eye examination is much more than checking vision for glasses or contacts. It is a full evaluation of eye health and screening for early signs of disease, using advanced diagnostic tools. Detecting issues early gives you the best chance at preserving your vision.
Modernizing Comprehensive Vision Benefits
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that comprehensive vision care benefits support the early detection and effective management of eye diseases. This includes advanced diagnostic imaging such as OCT and allowance for recall visits with an optometrist between the annual or biannual examinations.
October is a great time of year to talk to your clients about World Sight Day and why vision care is an important part of prevention and diagnostics within their benefit plan. For more information on vision care, a webinar or newsletters for your clients please contact info@opto.ca or find information at www.dontlosesight.ca.
References:
- Deloitte. The cost of vision loss and blindness in Canada. https://www.fightingblindness.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Deloitte-Cost-of-vision-loss-and-blindness-in-Canada-report-May-2021.pdf. 2021