National Eyewear Day is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting eye health, encouraging regular eye exams, and appreciating the importance of eyeglasses in our daily lives. This special day serves as a reminder for people to prioritize their vision care and schedule comprehensive eye check-ups.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: June 6
- Tagged as: Eye Health Awareness Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalEyewearDay
- When was it founded?: 2016
- Who founded it?: Zyloware Eyewear
History of National Eyewear Day
National Eyewear Day was established by Zyloware Eyewear in 2016 to raise awareness about the importance of comprehensive eye exams and overall eye health. The company chose June 6, the birthday of Zyloware founder Joseph Shyer, as the designated day for this celebration. Since its inception, the day has gained popularity among eyecare professionals and eyewear enthusiasts alike.
Timeline
- 10th century: Monks record the first use of “reading stones”
- 13th century: Monks in Italy use eyeglass lenses set in wooden or animal-horn frames
- 1760s: Bifocals are invented
- Late 18th century: Monocles are developed
- 1784: Benjamin Franklin invents bifocals
- 1827: John Isaac Hawkins invents trifocal lenses
- 1929: Sunglasses become popular in America
- 1959: Bernard Maitenaz invents progressive lenses
- 2016: National Eyewear Day is established
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June | 6 | Friday |
| 2026 | June | 6 | Saturday |
| 2027 | June | 6 | Sunday |
| 2028 | June | 6 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | June | 6 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | June | 6 | Thursday |
Observed
National Eyewear Day is observed by eyecare professionals, opticians, and eyewear enthusiasts worldwide. Many eye care centers and optical shops offer special promotions, free eye exams, or educational events on this day. People are encouraged to schedule their annual eye exams, donate old eyeglasses to charity, and share photos of their favorite eyewear on social media using the hashtag #NationalEyewearDay.
Fun Facts About Eyewear
- About 64% of the adult population wears prescription eyewear.
- Soft contact lenses were introduced in the 1970s.
- In 2018, researchers determined that people who wear glasses may actually be smarter.
- Over 12 million Americans need vision correction but don’t have any eyewear.
- Eyewear has transformed from a visual aid into an iconic fashion accessory.
Quiz
- When is National Eyewear Day celebrated?
- Who invented bifocals?
- What percentage of adults wear prescription eyewear?
- In which year were soft contact lenses introduced?
- What is the hashtag used for National Eyewear Day?
(Answers: 1. June 6, 2. Benjamin Franklin, 3. 64%, 4. 1970s, 5. #NationalEyewearDay)
FAQs
Q: Why is National Eyewear Day important?
A: It reminds people to prioritize eye health and schedule regular eye exams.
Q: How can I participate in National Eyewear Day?
A: You can schedule an eye exam, donate old glasses, or share photos of your eyewear on social media.
Q: Are there any special events on National Eyewear Day?
A: Many eye care centers and optical shops offer promotions, free eye exams, or educational events.
Related
- World Sight Day
- National Sunglasses Day
- Save Your Vision Month
- Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
- Healthy Vision Month