Eye Care in FocusIrish College of Ophthalmologists Marks World Sight Day 2026 with Call to Prioritise Eye Health
The Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO), the training and professional body for eye doctors in Ireland, is urging the public to prioritise their eye health this World Sight Day, Thursday 8th October 2026.
World Sight Day, coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), is the most important annual advocacy and communications event on eye health. The “Love Your Eyes” campaign highlights the importance of protecting vision across all stages of life.
Marking the awareness day, ICO President Mr Gerry Fahy said:
“Sight is the sense people fear losing the most, yet many are unaware of how much can be done to protect it. Regular eye examinations are vital, not just for detecting vision problems, but also for identifying broader health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure. On World Sight Day, we want to remind everyone in Ireland that eye health is essential to overall health and wellbeing and to encourage people to have their eyes checked regularly.”
According to the World Health Organization, at least 2.2 billion people worldwide have a vision impairment or blindness, and nearly half of these cases could have been prevented or have yet to be addressed. In Ireland, conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and cataract remain the leading causes of vision loss. Early detection and timely treatment can prevent much of this.
The ICO is calling on:
World Sight Day, coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), is the most important annual advocacy and communications event on eye health. The “Love Your Eyes” campaign highlights the importance of protecting vision across all stages of life.
Marking the awareness day, ICO President Mr Gerry Fahy said:
“Sight is the sense people fear losing the most, yet many are unaware of how much can be done to protect it. Regular eye examinations are vital, not just for detecting vision problems, but also for identifying broader health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure. On World Sight Day, we want to remind everyone in Ireland that eye health is essential to overall health and wellbeing and to encourage people to have their eyes checked regularly.”
According to the World Health Organization, at least 2.2 billion people worldwide have a vision impairment or blindness, and nearly half of these cases could have been prevented or have yet to be addressed. In Ireland, conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and cataract remain the leading causes of vision loss. Early detection and timely treatment can prevent much of this.
The ICO is calling on:
- Individuals to schedule regular eye tests, particularly those over 50, people with diabetes, and anyone with a family history of eye disease.
- Government and policymakers to continue investing in national eye health services and preventative care.
The annual event, marking its 10th anniversary this year, is organised by Queen’s University Belfast with the overarching goal of focusing attention on avoidable blindness and visual impairment. The event gathers clinicians, researchers, optometrists, specialists in imaging, and eye-health policy-makers from across Ireland and Northern Ireland to discuss best practices, foster collaboration across Ireland, and highlight how eye health links with wider health concerns.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Fahy said:
“It is an honour to represent the Irish College of Ophthalmologists at the Pan-Ireland Ophthalmology Day in Belfast, aligning our commitment with colleagues across the island to elevate eye health and vision care. This World Sight Day, and the pan Ireland event, are timely reminders of the importance of early detection, collaborative care, and investment in services that protect people's vision.”
The ICO encourages everyone to mark World Sight Day by reflecting on their own eye health, taking the “Love Your Eyes” pledge at www.iapb.org/loveyoureyes, and taking steps toward healthier vision habits.
Visit the Irish College of Ophthalmologists website www.eyedoctors.ie for further advice and guidance on eye health.
ENDS
1st October 2026