We love our national days here in the United States. In June alone, there are in excess of 100 ‘national days’ observing everything from onion rings to kitchen klutzes and calling your doctor. There is even a national day honoring shades. Yes, National Sunglasses Day is a real thing. It is observed on June 27.
All these national days have to be sponsored by someone. National Sunglasses Day is brought to you by the good folks at The Vision Council, a nonprofit trade association for manufacturers and distributors of eyewear products. They promote things like National Sunglasses Day as a way to encourage good eye health among consumers.
The main thrust of the day is public education. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers interested in participating in National Sunglasses Day events utilize a broad array of strategies to educate people on the need to protect their eyes against damaging UV rays.
Getting the Word Out
Olympic Eyewear, a Utah company that specializes in wholesale designer sunglasses, says that the industry has done a good job overall of educating people about UV rays. Still, a lot of people who buy sunglasses do so only for fashion purposes. Others buy sunglasses with the knowledge that sunlight can be harmful, but they do not understand that they need to be more concerned about UV rays.
The Vision Council looks to change things by raising public awareness whenever they have the opportunity. National Sunglasses Day is one such opportunity. In mobilizing its members, The Vision Council is taking the message directly to consumers. They hope their efforts pay off in more consumers protecting their eyes with high-quality shades.
Media Coverage Helps
The Vision Council is working with their members to get the word out about sunglasses and UV rays. But they also enlist the media whenever National Sunglasses Day rolls around. This year they worked with a range of online properties including the Bustle, People, Family Circle, Essence, and Yahoo! websites, among others.
The trade group targeted broadcast media, too. Viewers of programs like Let’s Talk America, TODAY with Kathy Lee & Hoda, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon all got to hear the message about wearing sunglasses to protect their eyes. And of course, let’s not forget social media. A long list of celebrities and organizations took to social media to spread the word.
Tips for Choosing Sunglasses
Olympic Eyewear offers consumers three tips for choosing sunglasses in light of National Sunglasses Day. First, UV protection should never be a question. Consumers should look for sunglasses that offer 99-100% UV protection. A pair labeled ‘UV 400’protects against all UVA and UVB rays.
Next, polarized sunglasses are the best option for reducing glare. What people may not realize is that direct sunlight and the glare it produces can be just as damaging as UV light. Polarized sunglasses should be worn while driving, while out on the water, and anywhere else glare can be a problem.
Finally, sunglasses don’t help much if they do not properly cover the eyes. So before fashion is considered, consumers need sunglasses that actually block the sun. A good pair of wraparounds protects both the front and sides. If they fit snugly against the face, they also protect against sunlight coming in from the top.
Yes, National Sunglasses Day is a thing. In light of its annual celebration on June 27, go out and buy a good pair of UV-protecting sunglasses that can help you save your eyes from damaging sunlight. It is one of the best things you can do to ensure good eye health.