Gift of Sight Month
Gift of Sight Month is commemorated every year in December, in an attempt to raise awareness about the importance of eye health, regularly getting eye check-ups done, and taking care of our eyes. It’s safe to say that our vision is something we all take for granted, and it is usually hard to be grateful for something when we’ve had it all our lives. However, many people around the world might consider good eyesight a luxury. Healthy vision plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being, and so it’s obvious that it’s important to spend some time looking after it.
History of Gift of Sight Month
December has been designated as Gift of Sight Month by Versant Health, an American vision care company, in honor of the wonders afforded by regular eye care and healthy vision during the holiday season. For many Americans, it often means having access to affordable and quality eye care.
The company established the holiday after a Vision Wellness Study discovered that only 51% of people regularly saw an eye doctor. The same study also found that 39% of consumers mentioned cost and affordability as the reason behind household members not seeing an eye doctor as frequently as they would like to. Gift of Sight Month aims to address these issues with both action and education. Research has shown that regular eye exams not only protect us from debilitating eye diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma, but they can also be a means of detecting some common diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia.
With the Gift of Sight Month campaign, there is heavy advocacy for eye exams as a low-cost and effective form of preventative medicine. It focuses on the connection between eye health, wellness, and overall health, with the eye exam being at the heart of this intersection. Whether you’re eight years old or 80 years old, routine eye exams are crucial not just for your vision and eye health, but for a myriad of other health conditions.
How to Observe Gift of Sight Month?
1.Get an eye exam
Call your doctor and fix an appointment today! It doesn’t matter if you have perfect eyesight; it’s important to keep getting routine eye check-ups done every once in a while. They’re quick and painless!
2.Consider donation
Donate to non-profits and other organizations working hard to help heal people’s eyes. A small donation could mean wide access to eye healthcare for many people.
3.Raise awareness
Spread information about the Gift of Sight Month and everything it stands for among your friends and family. Post pictures of you getting your exam done on social media to inspire more people!
Why Gift of Sight Month is Important?
A. Many illnesses can be prevented
Routine eye check-ups are the best way to avoid illnesses from escalating and can even detect non-eye-related diseases. Don’t wait till it’s too late and get a preventative eye exam done.
B. It encourages good health
Healthy vision and eye health affect our overall well-being, too. Taking care of your eyes is not just great for your vision, but your whole body will thank you for it.
C. It promotes access to healthcare
Access to decent and affordable healthcare is still a dream for many Americans. The month promotes better access for all, along with providing tips and resources.
References:
“Gift of Sight Month” │ https://nationaltoday.com/gift-of-sight-month/