Vision loss affects people of all ages, with at least 2.2 billion globally having near or distance vision impairment. World Sight Day, observed every second Thursday of October, highlights the global impact of blindness and vision impairment.
To mark this year’s World Sight Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduces the “WHOeyes” app. This free app allows the general public to assess their vision for both close-up and distance viewing, providing crucial insights into potential vision issues.
The app checks visual acuity, a key measure of the eye’s ability to discern shapes and details at a given distance. Early identification of vision impairment is crucial, and WHOeyes aims to raise awareness and encourage regular vision checks.
“WHOeyes app can help identify potential vision issues quickly. It complements regular eye checks by professionals, emphasizing the importance of proactive eye care,” said Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, WHO Director for Noncommunicable Diseases.
Available in all 6 UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish), the WHOeyes app can be downloaded for free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
