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WorldOrthoptics Day
Every year, World Orthoptics Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of this paramedical specialty. Although largely unknown, it plays a major role in the early detection, treatment and rehabilitation of visual disorders, particularly in children. This dedicated day is an opportunity to raise awareness of these public health issues, and to promote better access to vision care worldwide.
What is World Orthoptic Day?
World Orthoptics Day is an international awareness day highlighting the key role of orthoptics in the prevention, detection and rehabilitation of vision disorders.
Initiated by theInternational Orthoptic Association (IOA), a British body representing more than 20,000 orthoptists in over 20 countries, the day has a number of objectives:
- Make orthoptics better known to the general public,
- Emphasize the importance of regular visual monitoring,
- Promoting equitable access to vision care worldwide,…
It also represents a moment of recognition for professionals in the sector, while encouraging the implementation of concrete actions to improve the visual health of populations, especially children.
What actions are carried out in support of World Orthoptics Day?
Numerous events are organized around the world to mark the day:
- Free screening sessions,
- Information conferences,
- Interventions in schools,
- Publications on social networks,
- Awareness campaigns coordinated by orthoptist associations,…
These initiatives raise awareness of the most common visual disorders, such as strabismus, amblyopia (“lazy eye”) when one eye has poor visual acuity, and visual fatigue. They also serve as a reminder of the importance of prevention from an early age, while helping to raise the profile of the orthoptist’s profession and encourage vocations.
The date of World Orthoptics Day
World Orthoptics Day is celebrated every year on the first Monday in June.
This date was chosen to provide a fixed date for the worldwide orthoptic community, enabling a broad mobilization.
Previous editions have focused on themes such as early detection in children, equitable access to healthcare, and theimpact of screens on vision.
The 2025 edition continues to address these issues, while raising the profile of orthoptists’ actions in the field.
What can you do to mark World Orthoptics Day?
There are many ways to get involved on this day:
- By taking part in workshops or vision screenings organized near you,
- By relaying preventive messages on visual health via social networks,
- By raising awareness among children, parents and teachers of the importance of vision for learning.
La Chaîne de l’Espoir is particularly concerned by this day through its school health programs, implemented in several countries with poor access to healthcare. The association fights against sensory disorders, particularly visual ones, which hinder and impact children’s schooling.
The actions undertaken include :
- Organize eye screening campaigns in schools,
- Train local teams (teachers, school nurses, etc.) to identify sensory disorders,
- Provide the necessary equipment such as corrective glasses,
- Refer children to specialized care when necessary.
These initiatives are part of La Chaîne de l’Espoir’s broader commitment to guaranteeing every child the conditions necessary for successful schooling, by removing health obstacles to learning.
