EyeCare launches Student Art Competition to mark 2025 World Sight Day

EyeCare has launched a Student Art Competition to celebrate this year’s World Sight Day – one of the most important days on the global eye health calendar that serves as a reminder of the value of vision, and the importance of protecting it.

Observed annually on the second Thursday of October, this year, the World Sight Day falls on October 9, and will be celebrated under the global theme “#LoveYourEyes – Putting People at the Heart of Eye Health.”

EyeCare, which has dutifully celebrated the occasion with engaging and impactful initiatives over the years to raise awareness and inspire action, has announced it will also be holding a Student Art Competition alongside their public event, offering young Maldivians the chance to showcase their artistic talent.

Submissions for the Student Art Competition are open until 11:59 pm on October 5.

The competition is open to students aged 11-15 across the Maldives, offering a chance for young people to share their ideas and creativity while reflecting on what vision and eye health mean in their lives and communities.

Participants can choose from two exciting themes:

•  “What does it mean to Love Your Eyes?”

– Encouraging self-care, responsibility, and the importance of regular eye tests.

•  “Putting People at the Heart of Eye Health.”

– Focusing on empathy, family, community, and the human stories behind vision care.

Submission guidelines:

• Size: A4 (canvas or paper)
• Format: Hand-drawn or painted using any medium (pencil, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media). Digital art will not be accepted.

How to submit:

• Male’: Deliver the original artwork to the EyeCare Main Building, Orchid Magu, Malé.
• Islands: Send a clear photo/scan of the artwork to [email protected] or submit it to the nearest EyeCare location.

EyeCare said that all submissions must include:

• Full name of participant
• Age and date of birth / ID card copy
• School name and grade
• Parent/guardian contact number and email
• Chosen theme/topic

The competition will take place in two rounds. Round one or the online voting round will take place from October 7-9. All valid entries will be uploaded to EyeCare’s official Facebook page, and thepublic can vote by “liking” their favorite artworks.

The most-voted entries will be shortlisted for the final exhibition.

In round two or the exhibition and final voting round, all shortlisted artworks will be displayed at the World Sight Day public event at the Artificial Beach in Male’. Visitors will have the chance to vote again during the exhibition, and the top three winners will be announced live on stage during the closing ceremony.

Prizes:

• 1st Place: MVR 5,000
• 2nd Place: MVR 3,000
• 3rd Place: MVR 2,000

Certificates of recognition will be awarded to all shortlisted finalists.

EyeCare said that through this competition, they hope to inspire the younger generation to think deeply about eye health and express their creativity in meaningful ways.

“By putting students at the center of this initiative, we celebrate both the #LoveYourEyes movement and the importance of people-centered eye health,” said the company.

But this is just the beginning. EyeCare said it has more exciting activities planned for World Sight Day, ensuring that this year’s celebration will be one to remember.