**MEDIA ADVISORY** June 27: Gear Up, Shades On for National Sunglasses Day
June 25 2024 - 10:00AM
What: National Sunglasses Day, a commemorative date
held annually, celebrating the importance of wearing sunglasses to
protect the eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
When: Thursday, June 27.
Who: The Vision Council, the leading advocate for the
optical industry.
How: The Vision Council's “Gear Up, Shades On” campaign
encourages people to protect their eyes from harmful UV radiation
and stay safe while participating in their favorite sports or
outdoor activities. Everyone can participate in National Sunglasses
Day on Thursday, June 27 by sharing a photo of themselves wearing
sunglasses on social media and including the hashtag
#NationalSunglassesDay.
Why: It's always important to protect your vision from UV
rays, which can have damaging long and short-term impacts on vision
and quality of life. It is just as critical to protect one’s eyes
during sports or physical activities. According to The National
Institute of Health’s National Eye Institute, 30,000 sports-related
eye injuries in the United States each year require a trip to the
emergency room—that is the equivalent of one serious eye injury
every 13 minutes. Almost 90 percent of eye injuries are preventable
with proper eye protection.
The right eyewear can significantly enhance performance in
sports and activities by optimizing vision clarity, depth
perception, and contrast sensitivity, and they can provide
necessary protection from impact, weather, or debris. A variety of
features unique to sports sunglasses and eyewear can help people
take their game to the next level, all while ensuring they look and
feel their best.
TOOLS
- Access a
ready-made toolkit with social media graphics, sample copy,
logos, and more here.
- Download a b-roll
package here.
- Learn more about
consumers’ preferences and knowledge of sports sunglasses in The
Vision Council’s recent Focused inSights: Sports Sunglasses
Snapshot research report available here.
"By celebrating National Sunglasses Day, we can work together to
amplify the message of eye health and safety for everyone who loves
spending time outdoors," said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision
Council. "Our collective impact can ensure that more people are
aware of the importance and benefits of UV protective eyewear,
enabling them to enjoy outdoor activities with enhanced safety and
comfort all year round. With support from the optical industry,
eyecare providers, and sunglasses lovers everywhere, we hope to
continue spreading awareness and providing access to quality
sunglasses, making a meaningful difference in how people experience
and enjoy the world around them."
# # #
About The Vision Council The Vision Council
brings the power of sight to all through education, government
relations, research, and technical standards. A leading advocate
for the optical industry, the association positions its members to
deliver the eyewear and eyecare people need to look and feel their
best. Vital to health, independence, and safety, better vision
leads to better lives. Learn more at thevisioncouncil.org.
Chelsea Pillsbury
The Vision Council
media@thevisioncouncil.org