1992年9月25日，天津醫科大學眼科教授王延華與流行病學教授耿貫一首次向全國倡議，在國內設立愛眼日，並在天津召開了全國愛眼日第一次研討會。這一倡議受到眼科學界和眼科專家們的回響，決定每年5月5日為“全國愛眼日”。1993年5月5日，天津首次舉辦愛眼日宣傳活動。受此影響，從1994年開始，北京、上海、廣州等國內大中城市相繼在5月5日舉辦義診諮詢活動，同時宣傳愛眼日的意義。
In September 25, 1992, Medical University Of Tianjin professor Wang Yanhua professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and epidemiology of Geng penetration to the nation for the first time in domestic initiative, set up day and day, held the first seminar in tianjin. This initiative is in response to the Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Ophthalmology academic experts, decided in May 5th each year for the "national day". In May 5, 1993, for the first time held in Tianjin day promotional activities. Affected by this, from the beginning of 1994, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other domestic large and medium-sized city have been held in clinic consultation in May 5th, at the same time, the significance of publicity day.
1996年，國家衛生部、國家教育部、團中央、中國殘聯等12個部委聯合發出通知，將愛眼日活動列為國家節日之一，並重新確定每年6月6日為“全國愛眼日”。
In 1996, the national Ministry of health, the national Ministry of education, the CYL Central Committee, China federations and other 12 ministries jointly issued a notice, will be listed as the National Day activities, festivals, and to determine the June 6th of each year as "national day".