All of you, like all of us at VM, who are connected day by day to the vision care/eyewear field, sometimes feel they “know” what they need to know about this critically important arena.

But, of course, everyone can learn something new every day!

And if you want two very compelling cases in point, please take the time to check into the many admirable ideas, communication initiatives on social media and in your local markets among the programs surrounding World Sight Day, officially celebrated last week, on Oct. 13. It’s something that needs to be remembered every day since many World Sight Day initiatives continue year-round.

Organizations, companies, individual eyecare professionals, optical retailers, consumer patient groups, government and non-government agencies have been working to turn up the volume, funding and support for programs that address the need for better access to eyecare and regular eye exams and testing for millions of people in this country and around the world who don’t have it today.

On another level, and designed specifically to meld all the various aspects of understanding vision and how the eye works, the new “Sight: The Story of Vision” documentary, which was supported with the participation and involvement of many leading professional groups and industry companies, will be seen this month in dozens of Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) telecasts, along with a companion e-book and Second Screen app that lets viewers learn even more about the science, biology, research, treatment and new technology impacting sight.

The multi-dimensional project is being produced by documentarian Kris Koenig in association with Southern Oregon Public Television, affiliated with Public Broadcasting Service. The one-hour show is narrated by Sir Elton John.

Related to the documentary are special planetarium shows, “Seeing: The Proton’s Journey Across Space & Mind,” which will be how part of the story of “Sight” will be distributed to major planetariums around the world, free of charge, to show audiences how the brain and the eyes work and to promote eye health care.

Check your local PBS stations for the schedule, visit our posting of the PBS schedule on VisionMonday.com or go to the StoryofSight.com website or Facebook page to check out the materials and related details.

It’s an amazing time to be in the field that helps people enjoy their lives and make the most of their world. If you’ve taken part in World Sight Day and once you’ve seen “Sight, the Story of Vision,” please let us know how you took part and how you’ve translated their messages to your practice and your business.

maxelrad@jobson.com