I have an astigmatism. This has necessitated glasses from the first grade onward. There were years I went without them but I don't think it made a significant statement nor helped in any aspect of my life.
I used to go to the opthamologist yearly. It was a function of diabetic eye care secondary to my adult onset diabetes.
One day I realized that the $600 glasses the opthomologist sold me were worse than the $20 readers I bought online and I decided that perhaps opthomology itself was somewhat of a racket and stopped all interaction with them choosing to make my own eyeware purchases under my own terms.
Good bye $600 rip off Columbia Eye Clinic. I attempt to prevent macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy with self-monitoring, various periodic research, and of course the proper mix of nutraceuticals designed for opthalmic health and optimization. Thus far I believe it to be working satisfactorily as evidenced by diminished floaters in the vitreous of my eyes.
June 6 brings us National Eyewear Day.
The day promotes visual acuity as well as eye health and fashion.
People have been wearing spectacles for about 700 years. Originally they were primarily the purview of scholars and monks prior to the advent of the printing press in 1452 which spawned an increase in literacy and the subsequent requirement for better vision.
So in it's role as a necessity for some people we have a sector out to celebrate improvement of vision and eye protection as well as the style glasses affords to us.