In 20 days, the Great American Total Solar Eclipse will travel coast to coast across the contiguous United States and will allow viewers in the lower 48 states see the Earth’s moon pass in front of the sun and block all or parts of the light’s path to Earth.
While the solar eclipse is fast approaching, there’s still time to use this event to market your optometric practice and protect your communities’ ocular health. Here’s what you, and your patients, need to know about the solar eclipse.
Optometric Practice Resourses For The Solar Eclipse
What is a Solar Eclipse?
According to NASA, a solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking all or part of the sun.
When Will It Occur
The first total solar eclipse visible to the contiguous US in 38 years will occur on August 21, 2017. The next solar eclipse to pass across the US will be in 2024, after that, you’ll have to wait until 2045.
Use this interactive map to identify when the partial (or total eclipse) will be visible in your area.
Who Will See It?
While most of the contiguous US will see a partial solar eclipse, only a select few locations will see a total solar eclipse. The total solar eclipse will be visible under a 70-mile wide line cutting across 14 states starting in Oregon and ending in South Carolina. Other states where you may see a total solar eclipse include:
- Idaho
- Wyoming
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Missouri
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Tennessee
- Georgia
- North Carolina
How To Use An Eclipse To Market Your Practice
Most people know that looking at the sun can have damaging effects on your vision. To see the eclipse safely, viewers will either have to use special glasses or find other means.
So, how can you use the solar eclipse to market your practice? Here are a few ideas:
- Handout or sell special eclipse glasses (just make sure they’re not fakes)
- Mail out these pin-hole projectors or create custom ones with your office information
- If school is back in session, travel to local schools to offer educational materials and advice on how to view the eclipse safely
- Plan an eclipse party around a trunk show
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