There are provided an image display apparatus having a display unit capable of sensing a touch made by a pointing device, and a method for operating the same. The method includes outputting a synchronous signal through the entire region of the display unit, transmitting a first scanning signal and a second scanning signal respectively scanning the display unit in a first direction and a second direction to the pointing device; and acquiring touch position information regarding a touch made by the pointing device by using touch time information regarding time points when the pointing device receives the first scanning signal and the second scanning signal after sensing the synchronous signal. Accordingly, an error in touch recognition caused by the delay of a synchronous signal can be minimized.