What’s your story? This month, we serve up animated GIFs and a road map for Story on Instagram and Facebook.

a few years ago, I learned from a business class that if you don’t change, you die. Taking that finality to heart, we will be changing it up for October. First off, we will be celebrating special dates revolving around health, food, and our favorite pet—the cat.

Secondly, with over 200 million daily active users, Story is the fastest-growing social medium on Instagram and Facebook. This is where our cha-cha-change rolls in.

GIFs are files that can be animated. Think: tiny video. When used in Story, GIFs are terribly entertaining and attention grabbing. This month, download free animated GIFs to add to your Facebook Story for our key social media dates below.

Best Social Media Dates in October

Oct. 1: National Child Health Day

Children are the future. As eyecare professionals, we must provide every child the opportunity to live their best life regardless of religion, income, or race. Clear vision is one of the most significant predictors of educational success, and we are here to get the job done.

Oct. 4: National Taco Day

Oct. 11: World Sight Day

When 1 in 7 people in the world do not have access to vision care, it’s time to make some social media noise. Spread awareness by posting your best hand glasses pose. It’s fun. It’s inspiring. And a perfect excuse to get that manicure.

Oct. 29: National Cat Day

October is Halloween Safety Month

It’s no treat when your patient walks into your office wearing their unintended Halloween costume on their eye—a stye, a corneal ulcer, or an abrasion. This Halloween, let’s educate our patients against wearing costume contact lenses purchased without a prescription. Consider this free spooky post and matching GIF for Facebook Story—my treat.

—Tanya N. Gill, O.D.

TANYA N. GILL, O.D., is the owner of Oakland Vision Center Optometry in Oakland, CA. Dr. Gill is obsessed with ocular surface disease, kick-a$$ female entrepreneurship, eating vegetables daily, mountain biking, and skiing. She lives in Oakland with her husband and is the founder of We Love Eyes, a company that makes natural cleansing products for the eyes.