World Sight Day – Thursday October 9, 2025.
Issued by the Optometry Ireland
Wednesday October 8, 2025
Regular eye exams encouraged for all age groups on World Sight Day
Good vision essential for children’s learning and older people’s independence
The public has been urged to have regular eye exams – to ensure children can learn without vision barriers and that older people maintain their independence.
World Sight Day 2025 takes place tomorrow (Thurs, October 9) and the global theme ‘Love Your Eyes’ highlights the need for lifelong eyecare that is available, accessible and affordable.
Optometry Ireland Acting President Liz Grennan said: “Optometrists’ message is that our State must ensure quality eyecare for all. 90% of sight loss is preventable and treatable with the right awareness, timely action and care.
“The number one action to take is regular eye exams throughout life – every two years for adults and yearly for children up to 16. Other tips are to:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule (for every 20 minutes looking at a screen, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away)
- Wear UV sunglasses in sunlight
- Wear protective eyewear in at risk situations (at work or play)
- Don’t smoke
- Eat a varied diet including fruit and vegetables.”
Ms Grennan also highlighted the important role of parents to ‘keep an eye’ on their children. “We need to ensure that children’s eyes are straight and that there is good and equal vision in both eyes. School screenings at age five may not pick up visual issues such as myopia, which more commonly begin in children aged eight and older. Neither children nor parents may notice a problem if it affects just one eye.
“An eye exam is recommended if parents notice eye rubbing, closing or covering of one eye, if their eyes are not lined up when looking at an object, or if they are struggling to see the board at school. Poor vision affects learning, but this can easily be fixed – and often just requires a pair of glasses. Yearly checks up to age 16 are advised.”
Adults can have changes in their vision caused by medications, high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. “For older people good vision supports independence which is integral to maintaining physical and mental health and social connectivity. Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration can all be managed successfully if found at an early stage.
“Optometry Ireland members are well placed to provide comprehensive eyecare locally including early detection, vision correction and collaboration with other eyecare services,” Ms Grennan concluded.
Further Information
Ronan Cavanagh, Cavanagh Communications: (086) 317 9731.
World Sight Day 2025: https://www.iapb.world/world_sight_day
#LoveYourEyes
Optometry Ireland (OI) is the professional representative body for the vast majority of practising Optometrists in Ireland, including 800 members in 350 locations nationwide. OI works to ensure the highest possible standards in provision of clinical and dispensing eye-care services to the public. www.optometryireland.ie
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