In 1994, the UN General Assembly proclaimed September 16th the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
On this day, countries promote activities in accordance with the objectives of the Protocol, i.e. the phasing-out of ozone depleting substances that help preserve the Ozone Layer as well as protecting human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer. Thus the theme for World Ozone Day is “30 years of healing the ozone together.” The theme is supported by the slogan, “Ozone: All there is between you and UV.”
In commemoration of the Day, on September 16th, 2015 the National Ozone Unit invited the company LOOK Opticians to facilitate an awareness session with the staff of the Environmental Policy and Planning Division and the former Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
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Dr Marissa Gowrie (left) National Ozone Officer introducing the facilitators from LOOK Opticians (right) to the staff
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Free Vision Screening after the awareness session.
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Ozone Layer Depletion causes greater exposure to ultra-violet (UV) rays from the sun which can cause several ailments including eye conditions such as eye cataract. Therefore, attendees were sensitised about the harmful effects of UV on the human eyes and ways in which we can protect them. LOOK Opticians also provided free vision screening and advice for interested persons on the day.
