World Optometry Day, March 23, shines an annual spotlight on the profession of optometry and the contribution of optometrists worldwide to increasing access to eye health care as a human right. This year, the South African Optometric Association (SAOA) will celebrate World Optometry Week 2024 from March 17 – 23, and specifically World Optometry Day, Saturday, March 23, in accordance with the theme “Advancing Optometry’s Commitment to Global Eye Care.”
Within the context of this theme, the SAOA seeks to highlight the ongoing work done by optometrists in South Africa to improve equitable access to eye care as well as the profession’s role in promoting the adoption of Integrated People-centered Eye Care (IPEC) in countries’ health systems, as recommended by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2019 World Report on Vision.
“As we approach World Optometry Week 2024, I am encouraged to see how optometry as a profession is embracing the need to address the large burden of preventable vision impairment. We continue to educate our patients as well as stakeholders who understand the importance of access to quality eyecare. Optometry has taken a leadership role in addressing the many challenges.” SAOA President, Nivien Subramany
The SAOA invites optometrists nationwide to use the World Optometry Week Social Media Resources, available in seven different languages, to assist in your World Optometry Week and World Optometry Day advocacy. Partners at the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) have developed the Advocacy to Action Toolkit to learn more about advancing the IPEC model as the future of equitable eye care.
For more information please contact Thivasha Reddy on membership2@saoa.co.za or 074 870 6021
