Ophthalmologist Day in Argentina and Cuba

Opticians and optometrists are dedicated to the study and care of our visual health. Their skills include diagnosing and measuring anomalies, creating eyeglasses and contact lenses, studying, designing and making optical parts and audiologic prostheses.

Ophthalmologist Day is celebrated in Cuba and Argentina on December 13. It coincides with the feast of the virgin and martyr St. Lucia, the patron saint of sight. This day honors all those who work in this field.

An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats all eye diseases, performs surgeries, prescribes and fits glasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research into the causes and treatment of eye diseases and vision disorders.

Legend has it that Lucia of Syracuse, then in the Roman province of Sicily, dedicated her life to God and took a vow of virginity. But her mother promised her to marry a pagan. Lucia was able to break the engagement, and her fiancé put her on trial to renounce her Christian faith and worship pagan gods. She refused and was beheaded. Legend has it that when Lucia was on trial, the guards ordered her eyes to be gouged out, but she continued to see, so she was proclaimed the patroness of the blind for her knowledge of good and evil.