SUNY College of Optometry and The University Eye Center Celebrate World Sight Day

October 10, 2024

SUNY College of Optometry and The University Eye Center Celebrate World Sight Day

New York, NY:  Today, on World Sight Day, the SUNY College of Optometry and the University Eye Center join the global community in raising awareness about the significance of protecting our eyes and vision. This international celebration, observed on the second Thursday of October, serves as a reminder to prioritize eye health and promote access to quality eye care.   

As part of the lead-up to this annual event, the University Eye Center actively participated in two events this week. On Tuesday, October 8, New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal hosted an Older Adult Resource Fair at the Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center. The University Eye Center, represented by Dr. Amy Steinway, Assistant Chief of Primary Eye Care, and a team of SUNY College of Optometry students provided complimentary eye screenings to over 30 adults. The screenings not only offered valuable insights into their eye health but also served as an opportunity to educate attendees about the diverse range of services offered by the University Eye Center. 

Reflecting on the event, Dr. Amy Steinway expressed her satisfaction, stating, “We really enjoyed providing care to the seniors in our community. Everyone seemed to enjoy the service and were appreciative that they got their questions answered! Thanks to Senator Hoylman-Segal who offered this fair.”   

Simultaneously, the University Eye Center showcased its commitment to eye care at the UNICEF and UN Headquarters during an outreach event on October 8 and 9. This event, held as part of the Love Your Eyes campaign, aimed to raise awareness about World Sight Day and its significance in preventing vision impairment and blindness.  The UNICEF and the UN vision screenings resulted in a total of over 50 referrals for pediatric patients, the contact lens clinic, with a majority for comprehensive eye exams in the Primary Care Clinic.  Between both days at the UNICEF and UN events, 500 patients had a vision screening. 

To learn more about the University Eye Center and the comprehensive services it provides, please visit their official website at www.universityeyecenter.org 

World Sight Day serves as a global platform to emphasize the importance of vision care and advocate for accessible eye health services. By participating in these events, the SUNY College of Optometry and the University Eye Center reaffirm their commitment to promoting eye and vision care for all. 

Media Contact: Rob Rosiello, communications@sunyopt.edu 

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About SUNY Optometry
Founded in 1971 and located in New York City, the State University of New York College of Optometry is a leader in education, research, and patient care, offering the Doctor of Optometry degree as well as MS and PhD degrees in vision science. The College conducts a robust program of basic, translational and clinical research and has 65 affiliated clinical training sites as well as an on-site clinic, the University Eye Center.  SUNY Optometry is regionally accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools; its four-year professional degree program and residency programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association. All classrooms, research facilities and the University Eye Center, which is one of the largest optometric outpatient facilities in the nation, are located on 42nd Street in midtown Manhattan. To learn more about SUNY Optometry, visit www.sunyopt.edu.