The spirit of giving is timeless, and so is the importance of preserving vision.
Gift of Sight Month, established by Prevent Blindness, a non-profit organisation dedicated to saving sight since 1908, serves as a reminder to raise awareness for this vital global cause.
At Gulf Family Clinic, we’re proud to support December as a ‘Give the Gift of Sight’ month and encourage others to join us in making a difference.
In Focus
- The Gift of Sight month aims to shine a light on the gift of vision and the importance of eye health
- Encouraging others to get an eye exam, donating, and volunteering are some ways to observe the Gift of Sight month
- Taking care of your eyes is another way to support this cause
December Is Give the Gift of Sight Month
The Gift of Sight Month was established to raise people’s awareness of proper eye health and good vision. Throughout December, various campaigns and activities are carried out to educate and help people understand the importance of caring for one’s eyes.
During this month, many eye specialists, healthcare providers, and organisations encourage people to undergo regular vision screenings and follow proper eye care and safety practices.
Many organisations double their efforts to offer free or low-cost eye exams to help more people know if they have any conditions and their treatment options. They also disseminate information regarding eye care practices.
Supporting the Gift of Sight Initiative
You can contribute to the meaningful mission of the Gift of Sight initiative through the following ways:
1. Get an eye exam.
Whether you get an eye exam annually but haven’t gotten one yet this year or have never gotten one before, schedule one as soon as you can with the best eye clinics in Dubai.
Doing so lets you know if your eyes are still healthy since the test and can uncover conditions like glaucoma or cataracts before symptoms appear.
If you have difficulties seeing far or near objects, an eye specialist can diagnose the type of refractive error you’re experiencing and recommend the best treatment.
If you have myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness), with or without astigmatism, an eye test can determine if you need to change your lenses to improve your vision.
2. Encourage others to get an eye exam.
Many people tend to delay check-ups because they are unaware of how crucial these are for detecting problems early. Giving them a gentle nudge could be the reminder they need to prioritise their vision.
Accompany or encourage your family and friends to get an eye exam. If they are still hesitant or opposed to doing it, share your own experience and explain how the annual tests have helped you maintain a healthy vision.
Your family or friends may also be inclined to undergo an eye exam if you discuss the steps involved and explain that they won’t feel any pain or discomfort during a regular eye test.
3. Promote Gift of Sight Month on social media.
One of the easiest ways to support Gift of Sight Month is to promote it on social media.
Share your positive experiences and photos of your visit to your eye specialist in Dubai and encourage your friends and followers to have their eyes checked regularly. Remember to add suitable hashtags to show your support for this cause.
You can also share photos of your new eyewear and eye procedures you’ve undergone, if any, and explain how they have helped you out.
4. Donate or volunteer.
Look for organisations, companies, or clinics conducting fundraising campaigns in support of Gift of Sight Month and make a donation. They will use the money they collect to provide free eye exams and other services to people who have no access to these.
Aside from money, get in touch with the organiser to find out if you can donate supplies.
Many of these organisations may also require volunteers to assist in collection drives or logistics. Contact them to see how you can help them.
Remember that even the simplest things, such as sharing posts on social media, can go a long way in celebrating Gift of Sight Month, so show your support for this cause.
Take Care of Your Eyes
Looking after your eyes is another way of celebrating the Gift of Sight mission.
Besides getting regular eye exams, you can keep your eyes healthy with these tips:
- Protect your eyes. Opt for prescription glasses and sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from ultraviolet rays. Wear sunglasses with UV protection on sunny days and safety goggles when working with tools, machinery, or hazardous materials. Consider wearing eyeglasses with blue light-blocking lenses when using the computer or staring at your mobile device.
- Take frequent breaks. If you spend long hours staring at a screen, follow the 20-20-20 rule. This entails looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. This habit helps reduce eye strain.
- Have a balanced diet. Including leafy greens, fish, and colourful fruits in your daily meals and snacks helps you get vitamins, minerals, lutein, omega-3, and other nutrients that support eye health.
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause dry eyes. Avoid this by drinking at least eight glasses of water throughout the day to keep your eyes moist and refreshed.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes. No matter how itchy your eyes get, never rub them since you can injure your eyes and spread germs, which can lead to an infection.
As you consider ways to make a positive impact, Gift of Sight is a meaningful initiative that reminds us to reflect on how we can support efforts to help others cherish the invaluable gift of vision, any time of year.
