2026-07-20
World Sight Day and Fundus Examination: What are the Eye Day Ophthalmology Events?
Learn about World Sight Day, its history, and the importance of fundus examinations for eye health. Discover why eye health is a growing concern and the special events held at Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic.

World Sight Day and Fundus Examination: What are the Eye Day Ophthalmology Events?

Hello, this is Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic, where you can receive customized treatment tailored to your eyes : )
Today marks the 53rd World Sight Day.
Our clinic has been running an event to celebrate Eye Day since Monday, the 9th~!
Many people have been asking about Eye Day and fundus examinations after seeing this event, so today I'd like to talk about these topics.

What is Eye Day?
Eye Day was established by the Korean Ophthalmological Society in 1956 to promote the eye health of the nation.
Since then, there have been many changes to the date~!
- When it was first established, Eye Day was November 1st.
- In 1973, it was integrated with Health Day on April 7th.
- Later, the Korean Ophthalmological Society revived Eye Day in 1989: annually on November 11th.
- Since 2017, it has been commemorated on the second Thursday of October, aligning with ‘World Sight Day’ designated by the World Health Organization.

Eye Health: Why are more people concerned about it these days?!
You often hear that ‘a red light has recently been lit for Koreans' eye health’.
This is likely due to the frequent use of smartphones, TVs, and computers, as well as chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes, which have increased concerns about eye conditions.
- The prevalence of myopia has surged among teenagers.
- Eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy continue to increase in people over 40.
Therefore, customized care that addresses the concerns of each age group is becoming increasingly important during eye examinations.
Eye Day Event at Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic! What is a fundus examination?
A fundus examination is a basic, precise examination that can easily assess the condition of the retina and optic nerve.
Through a fundus examination,
- Major blinding diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy can be detected early.
For this reason, we are conducting donations through this event on World Sight Day.
In fact, the Korean Ophthalmological Society and the Korean Medical Association of Ophthalmologists promote regular check-ups on Eye Day with the slogan: ‘Quickly and easily check for the three major blinding diseases with a single fundus examination’.
If you've been meaning to get an examination and manage your eye health but have been putting it off,
I think it would be a good idea to start managing your eye health through a fundus examination on World Sight Day.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via Naver TalkTalk!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is World Sight Day?
World Sight Day is held annually on the second Thursday of October. It has been commemorated on this date since 2017, aligning with the date set by the World Health Organization. Previously, it was changed several times, including November 1st, April 7th, and November 11th.
What is a fundus examination?
A fundus examination is a basic, precise examination that can easily assess the condition of the retina and optic nerve. This examination allows for the internal structures of the eye to be checked and various eye diseases to be identified.
Why is a fundus examination important?
A fundus examination is crucial for the early detection of major blinding diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. The Korean Ophthalmological Society also encourages regular fundus examinations to quickly and easily identify blinding diseases.
Why has interest in eye health increased recently?
Concerns about eye diseases have grown due to the increased use of electronic devices like smartphones, TVs, and computers, as well as chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. The rapid increase in myopia prevalence among teenagers and the rise in eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma in people over 40 are also contributing factors.
Does Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic hold events for Eye Day?
Yes, Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic holds events to celebrate World Sight Day. Through these events, they aim to raise awareness about the importance of fundus examinations and also conduct donations.