Blindness Awareness Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Blindness Awareness Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Blindness Awareness Month is celebrated on October 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Blindness Awareness Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you should know about Blindness Awareness Month.

📅 What day is Blindness Awareness Month 2024?

In 2024, Blindness Awareness Month is on Sunday, October 1st. It is the 1st Sunday in October; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all intriguing details and facts about October 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Blindness Awareness Month occurs every October and aims to shed light on the challenges faced by blind and visually impaired individuals. The World Health Organization states that nearly everyone will experience some form of eye condition in their lifetime. This statistic is supported by global numbers which estimate that around 2.2 billion people have vision impairments or blindness, including those who rely on corrective glasses. Shockingly, one billion of these cases could have been prevented or remain unresolved. It is therefore crucial that we educate ourselves on how to maintain optimal eye health and support those living with vision impairments. In this article, you will discover ways to acknowledge, celebrate, and raise awareness about blindness during this important awareness month.

📜 Blindness Awareness Month History

Blindness Awareness Month serves multiple purposes. It aims to educate individuals on eye care, as well as inform them about the latest advancements and treatments for eye-related issues. It also shares inspiring stories of blind or visually impaired individuals accomplishing extraordinary feats that most sighted people wouldn’t dare to attempt. Additionally, the month focuses on advocacy, with organizations striving to secure increased resources, research opportunities, improved accessibility, and fair regulations that enable visually impaired individuals to lead fulfilling lives and actively participate in their communities. Throughout Blindness Awareness Month, there are numerous opportunities to learn about the visually impaired, celebrate their achievements, and provide assistance to them.

✅ Blindness Awareness Month Facts

🔖 ​Wash your hands
Many of us are unaware of just how often we unconsciously touch our faces and eyes throughout the day, especially if we wear contact lenses. However, by regularly cleaning our hands, we can significantly decrease the spread of bacteria and germs that can lead to various illnesses like pink-eye, colds, and other ailments.

🔖 ​Wear sunglasses
To protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it is recommended to wear sunglasses that provide UVA and UVB protection.

🔖 ​Watch your sugar
People with diabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing blindness or vision problems compared to those without diabetes, with a 25-fold greater likelihood.

👍 Why Is Blindness Awareness Month Important

Education is essential. Many businesses host educational activities to inform staff about eye disease prevention during Blindness Awareness Month. To ensure that you are getting the most out of your insurance coverage, ask your benefits department for further information about your vision plan.

Blindness Awareness Month is a chance to share tales of hope as well as learn about the terrible statistics. It provides a platform for blind and visually impaired people to share their experiences while also inspiring others to overcome the stigma associated with their impairments.This month reminds us that our physical constraints do not have to define us.

While there are several opportunities to learn about the blind and visually impaired during the month of October, it is best to use this time to remind us that maintaining our vision and assisting individuals who have low or no vision is something we can do all year. Start new habits this month that will last the rest of the year, such as helping the visually impaired or taking care of your eye health.

🙂 How To Observe Blindness Awareness Month

⚡ Volunteer to Be My Eyes

⚡ Donate money
Support a cause that helps individuals with visual impairment by donating to organizations like the National Federation of the Blind or the Foundation Fighting Blindness. By contributing, you can make a difference in funding ongoing research focused on various diseases that lead to visual impairment or blindness. These organizations work tirelessly throughout the year, exploring areas such as genetics, organ transplants, retinal implants, and advancements in nutritional and drug therapy. Your contribution will directly support these research efforts, ultimately aiming to improve the lives of those affected by visual impairment.

⚡ Read to someone
Be My Eyes is a free app that connects visually impaired people with sighted volunteers who donate their eyes to assist them in becoming more self-sufficient. Join over 3 million volunteers worldwide who help people with common tasks like navigating unfamiliar environments, recognizing colors, and reading directions.

📅 When is Blindness Awareness Month?

You can view all 🔗 October holidays, including 🔗 Health and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Blindness Awareness Month. So be sure to check back soon.