North Central Health District

Celebrate World Sight Day with Macon-Bibb County Health Department

Posted October 4, 2024 by Michael Hokanson

Macon-Bibb County Health Department (MBCHD) is proud to partner with Georgia 20/20 to host the 2024 World Sight Day Celebration in Georgia.

This year’s World Sight Day Celebration will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Saint Paul’s AME Church, located at 2501 Shurling Drive, Macon, GA 31211. The event begins at 11 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m.

World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness observed on the second Thursday of October to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. This day serves as a reminder for individuals to prioritize routine eye examinations to prevent avoidable blindness and visual impairment.

MBCHD, in conjunction with Georgia 20/20 partners, will offer:

• Free vision screenings
• Free diabetes screenings
• Free glaucoma screenings
• Low-cost glasses

All adults who are in need of vision screenings are invited to participate. Participants do not need insurance, and everyone is welcome.

“Participating in this community-wide vision screening event is essential because it ensures that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to protect their eye health. Early detection of vision issues can prevent long-term complications and improve quality of life. By partnering with Georgia 20/20, we’re making eye care accessible and helping to build a healthier, stronger community,” says Joy Harris, MBCHD Health Education Supervisor.

According to data gathered by the Georgia 20/20 network, there will be an estimated 220% increase in vision impairment in persons aged over 40 in the state of Georgia by the year 2050. This is significantly higher than the 150% increase nationally.

Harris attributes the difference in vision impairment rates to what is known as the Social Determinants of Health. She explains, “Access to vision care is heavily influenced by social determinants of health, such as income, transportation, and health insurance coverage, which can limit the ability to afford or reach eye care services. People living in low-income or rural areas often face significant barriers to care, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment of vision conditions. Other factors like education, housing stability, and language barriers also play a role in determining who can access quality vision care and maintain eye health.”

Eye health must be taken seriously to avoid life-altering complications to vision. Chronic diseases like diabetes are a leading cause of vision impairment, and diabetes is the number one cause of blindness in adults. High blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, leading to conditions like diabetic retinopathy, which can severely impact vision. Additionally, people with diabetes are at increased risk for glaucoma, which causes pressure in the eye and can also lead to vision loss.

Vision impairment can significantly reduce a person’s ability to perform daily activities like reading, driving, or cooking, leading to a loss of independence. It can also increase the risk of falls, social isolation, and negatively affect mental health, resulting in a lower overall quality of life.

To avoid negative eye health outcomes, MBCHD encourages everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to receive free vision screenings. Early detection can lead to proper treatment before complications arise. Specialists from Emory Eye Center, Center for the Visually Impaired, Georgia Optometric Association, Prevent Blindness Georgia, Atlanta Lions International, Georgia Society of Ophthalmology, The Lighthouse, and Georgia Eye Bank, Inc. will be onsite to provide professional care to those who attend.

For more information on vision impairment, visit cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/vision-loss-public-health-problem.html. To learn more about the Georgia 20/20 network, visit gavision2020.com/worldsightday.