In September, the Vision Science Academy (VSA) took the lead in promoting two key awareness initiatives: Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month and Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) Awareness Month. Both campaigns aim to raise awareness about critical eye health concerns, educating professionals, athletes, and the general public on the importance of eye safety and addressing vision impairments.

Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month

Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month focuses on the prevention of eye injuries during athletic activities. Eye injuries are common in sports, especially those involving high physical contact like basketball, football, and hockey. Even non-contact sports such as tennis and swimming can pose risks to eye health. Without proper precautions, athletes may suffer injuries that could result in temporary or permanent vision loss.

Throughout September, VSA shared educational resources and tips on social media, emphasising the need for protective eyewear and safe practices in sports. By highlighting statistics and real-life examples, the campaign aimed to raise awareness among athletes, coaches, and parents about the importance of wearing the right protective gear to prevent injuries. VSA also pointed to the potential of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to predict injury risks and create more effective safety strategies in sports.

Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) Awareness Month

Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is a condition caused by damage to the brain’s visual processing centres, resulting in vision impairment despite healthy eyes. It is a leading cause of vision problems in children. VSA’s campaign for CVI Awareness Month aimed to spread knowledge about the condition’s symptoms, early detection, and intervention strategies.

VSA highlighted how AI can aid in diagnosing and managing CVI by identifying early signs and tailoring personalised treatment plans for children. Through social media and outreach programs, VSA reinforced the importance of supporting children with CVI and provided resources for parents and educators.

In September, VSA’s leadership in both campaigns emphasised their commitment to promoting eye safety and supporting individuals with vision impairments.