A day to think about your children's eye health

Today, and June 10th annually, is Children’s Eyes Day こどもの目の日 in Japan. It was established by the Japan Ophthalmology Awareness Council, an organization based in Tokyo, dedicated to preventing eye disorders and promoting early detection of vision problems in children. The 6/10 date was chosen because children’s eyesight typically develops to around 1.0 by the age of six, making “6 and 10” a symbolic milestone for healthy visual development.

The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of children’s eye health, including the prevention of myopia, the early detection and treatment of amblyopia, and the importance of supporting healthy visual habits during early childhood. With digital device use increasing among young children in Japan, the day encourages families and educators to pay closer attention to visual strain, screen time, and proper lighting. 

Children’s Eyes Day reflects Japan’s broader commitment to lifelong health, emphasizing the importance of nurturing good vision from early childhood onward. I love that in Japan, children in elementary school get their eyes test annually as part of a larger medical check. In Saitama Prefecture, we also periodically receive information (sent home with the child) about the dangers of screens on young eyes. It is a good reminder to think about the effect of screen time on eyes and overall eye health.