World Sight Day: Global call for eye health awareness

World Sight Day serves as a global initiative to raise awareness regarding eye health and the necessity of accessible eye care. With approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide living with vision impairment, health advocates emphasize that regular vision checks are essential for early identification of issues.

In Trinidad and Tobago, the Office of the President has joined the global call to prioritize vision. Kerwyn Garcia, First Gentleman and Patron of the Blind Welfare Society, has encouraged citizens to undergo regular eye examinations and support efforts to provide care for those living with visual impairments.

Preventative measures to protect eyesight include regular eye exams to detect conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Other recommended habits include the ‘20-20-20 rule’ for digital screen use—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—avoiding smoking to prevent optic nerve damage, and protecting eyes from ultraviolet radiation.