When is World Sight Day?
World Sight Day 2027 is on Thursday
Thursday, October 14, 2027
The second Thursday in October. That's in 362 days.
until World Sight Day begins, in your time zone
World Sight Day is an annual global awareness day for eye health. It draws attention to blindness and vision impairment, most of which can be prevented or treated, and encourages people to get their eyes checked.
About World Sight Day
WHO estimates that at least 2.2 billion people worldwide have a near or distance vision impairment, and that in at least 1 billion of those cases the problem could have been prevented or has not yet been addressed. Common causes include uncorrected refractive errors, which glasses can fix, and cataracts, which surgery can treat. The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) notes that nine in ten people with sight loss live in low- and middle-income countries, where eye care is often hardest to reach.
World Sight Day began in 2000 as part of Lions Clubs International's SightFirst campaign against preventable blindness, according to the Blinded Veterans Association and other eye health groups. It was later folded into VISION 2020: The Right to Sight, a global initiative that WHO and IAPB launched in 1999 to end avoidable blindness, and IAPB now coordinates it with support from WHO.
IAPB, an alliance of nearly 300 organizations from more than 100 countries, runs the day under its "Love Your Eyes" campaign. Recent campaigns have focused on topics such as eye health at work and children's eye care. Hospitals, optometrists, schools and charities mark the day with free screenings, pledges to get an eye test and pushes for governments to fund eye care.
Sources: International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness: World Sight Day, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness: About, World Health Organization: Blindness and vision impairment fact sheet, Blinded Veterans Association: World Sight Day draws international attention to vision loss (2024), International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness: What was VISION 2020? (archived). How we check dates.
How to mark World Sight Day
- Book an eye exam for yourself, or for a child or older relative who hasn't had one recently.
- If you wear glasses or contacts, check that your prescription is current and that your lenses still work well for driving and screens.
- Follow the 20-20-20 habit during screen work: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Wear sunglasses that block UV light and protective eyewear for sports, yard work and DIY projects.
- Donate to a reputable eye care charity that provides cataract surgery or glasses in places where care is scarce.
World Sight Day dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Thursday, October 9, 2025 |
| 2026 | Thursday, October 8, 2026 |
| 2027 | Thursday, October 14, 2027 |
| 2028 | Thursday, October 12, 2028 |
| 2029 | Thursday, October 11, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, October 10, 2030 |
| 2031 | Thursday, October 9, 2031 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is World Sight Day 2027?
World Sight Day 2027 is on Thursday, October 14, 2027. It falls on the second Thursday in October. In 2028, it is on Thursday, October 12, 2028.
Who organizes World Sight Day?
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness coordinates World Sight Day with support from the World Health Organization. The day began in 2000 through Lions Clubs International's SightFirst campaign.
How often should I get my eyes checked?
It depends on your age, health and family history. Ask your doctor or an eye care professional how often you should be examined, and get checked promptly if your vision changes suddenly.
Is World Sight Day a public holiday?
No. World Sight Day is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.