MACON, Ga. — The Macon-Bibb County Health Department is teaming up with Georgia 20/20 to encourage to take a look at World Sight Day.
The annual holiday, which is observed on the second Thursday of October, is an awareness day focused on giving global attention to blindness and vision impairment.
MBCHD and Georgia 20/20 hosted an event at Saint Paul's AME Church on Shurling Drive in Macon in hopes of helping people see and view the benefits of prioritizing your vision.
They offered free vision screenings, free diabetes screenings, free glaucoma screenings and low-cost glasses. They encouraged all adults who needed screenings, even without insurance, to come by and take advantage.
"Participating in this community-wide vision screening event is essential because it ensures that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to protect their eye health," MBCHD Health Education Supervisor Joy Harris said in a statement. "Early detection of vision issues can prevent long-term complications and improve quality of life. By partnering with Georgia 20/20, we're making eye care accessible and helping to build a healthier, stronger community."
According to research gathered by Georgia 20/20, there is an estimated 220% increase in vision impairment in people over 40-years-old by 2050.
Harris attributed that to a lack of health care or ability to receive treatment for eye health. Other studies showed that diseases like diabetes are a leading cause of vision impairment and is the No. 1 leading cause of blindness is adults.
High blood sugar, according to MBCHD, can damage the small blood vessels in eyes, which can impact vision. Diabetes also can lead to glaucoma, which put pressure on the eye and can also lead to vision loss.
For more information on vision impairment, click here.
The event ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.