Glasses have gone from a one-time “geek necessity” to a cool “fashion accessory.” National Eyewear Day invites us to celebrate the fact that glasses, besides correcting our vision, can help create a whole new appearance. Honestly, many of us wear non-prescription glasses simply because we like the way they make us look.
The good news? Today we can choose from virtually endless styles, shapes, and colors.
Plus, tech has changed the mechanics of eyewear forever. New “smart” prescription lenses can now automatically switch focus from far to near and back again — thanks to liquid crystal-activated sensors on the frame. National Eyewear Day reminds us to take a moment on June 6 to think about how far we’ve come from old-school trifocals.
As for sunglasses ? They deserve a day of their very own.
National Eyewear Day timeline
- 2012
Glasses and IQ
Researchers actually determined that people who wear glasses may actually be smarter. One theory: It's possible they avoid outdoor activities and spend extra time on academic pursuits. On the other hand, a separate study found that participating in Ultimate Frisbee was an indicator of academic success.
So there's that.
- 1998
Laser technology
Oklahoma became the first state to approve use of laser technology for optometrists.
- 1981
Medicare expanded
Congress expands Medicare to include coverage for certain types of optometry.
- 1960s
Easy on the eyes
Soft contact lenses are made of soft, flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. They're easier to adjust to and generally more comfortable.
- 1914
Take the bus
Optometrists felt people with impaired vision should be prohibited from driving cars.
National Eyewear Day Activities
Get your eyes tested
Properly prescribed lenses can improve your overall health. Take time on National Eyewear Day to find a local optometrist who can determine if your eyes could use some assistance.
Show them off
It's all about your attitude. Your might even inspire your perfect-vision friends to pick up a pair.
Donate
Many charities, including Lion's Club International, accepts eyewear donations. Give new life to your old frames.
Celebs & Their Visionary Eyewear
Karlie Kloss
Kloss looks extra glam in tortoiseshell glasses. Of course, being a supermodel doesn't hurt.
Elton John
Sir Elton has one of the wildest glasses collections on record and can be seen again in the summer 2019 movie "Rocketman."
Zooey Deschanel
"New Girl" Jess Day's not-quite-perfectly-square frames have set the prime time standard for cool eyewear.
Andy Samberg
"Brooklyn Nine-Nine" star (and "SNL" standout) Andy Samberg frequently shows up wearing glasses during guest appearances on TV.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
This actor already personifies a "smart guy" look, but the glasses push him to a whole new level.
Why We Love National Eyewear Day
20/20
Eyewear allows us to see better — whether it's a book, a screen, or road signs. Without eyewear, for some of us, life would be but a blur.
We see better...longer
Our eyes have muscles, and the more we have to stretch them in order to see – think squinting – the more long-term damage we're doing. Glasses (contacts, too!) can help preserve our eye health for years to come.
Cool for kids
Glasses for children have evolved into fun shapes, sizes, and colors too. That's a big help to overcome any perceived stigma at a young age. Parents don't have to try so hard to get kids to wear them.
National Eyewear Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | June 6 | Saturday |
| 2021 | June 6 | Sunday |
| 2022 | June 6 | Monday |
| 2023 | June 6 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | June 6 | Thursday |