“Am Eye Healthy?” is the question more
than 75 million aging Baby Boomers should ask themselves, according to a new
health education campaign launched today in Washington, DC. The new effort
aims to help Americans understand the importance of regular eye exams and
vision screenings and the value of early detection, treatment and
rehabilitation options. Members of Congress including Senator Hillary Rodham
Clinton and Representative Gene Green helped launch the bi-partisan supported
campaign at an event on Capitol Hill.
“In eye health, an ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure.
There are more treatment and rehabilitation options now than ever, but early
detection is critical. This campaign will help more Americans learn about the
importance of making regular eye screenings and exams a key part of their
preventative health care,” said Senator Clinton.
At today’s launch and throughout the year, the campaign will offer free
vision screenings, educational materials and a user-friendly Web site,
ameyehealthy. Campaign partner Prevent Blindness America and
its affiliates are hosting local vision screenings today along with other “Am
Eye Healthy?” partners in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Ohio,
Tennessee, Texas and Washington, DC.
“We want people to think about their eye health as part of their general
well-being,” said Daniel D. Garrett, senior vice president of Prevent
Blindness America. “We are pleased to be offering screenings in conjunction
with our local chapters and other campaign partners in eight states.”
A collaboration of over 20 consumer, senior, patient and health groups,
working in partnership with Novartis Ophthalmics, “Am Eye Healthy?” has the
power of health advocacy and educational partners on the national and local
levels. Partners include the AMD Alliance International, American Association
of People with Disabilities, American Council of the Blind, American
Foundation for the Blind, American Society on Aging, Congressional Black
Caucus Foundation, Consumer Action, Foundation Fighting Blindness, League of
United Latin American Citizens, Lighthouse International, National Alliance
for Caregiving, National Association for Visually Handicapped, National Caucus
and Center On Black Aged, National Consumers League, National Hispanic Council
on Aging, Older Women’s League, Prevent Blindness America, The Seniors
Coalition, SeniorNet, and 60 Plus Association.
“Early detection through annual eye exams can prevent or slow vision loss.
Eye exams can uncover problems in the eye before symptoms appear or vision
loss occurs,” said Dr. Lorraine Marchi, founder and CEO of the National
Association for Visually Handicapped. “Common diseases associated with aging,
including high blood pressure and diabetes, can lead to eye problems, as can
eye tumors, retinal disorders and glaucoma, which may have no symptoms in the
early stages. These conditions don’t have to mean vision loss, though.
Medical research has made great strides. With early detection, there are more
ways than ever before to help protect vision.”
For more information about the campaign or eye health, visit
ameyehealthy or see an eye care professional.
About Prevent Blindness America
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation’s leading
volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness
and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent
Blindness America touches the lives of millions of people each year through
public and professional education, advocacy, community and patient service
programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous
support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates,
divisions and chapters, it’s committed to eliminating preventable blindness in
America.
Prevent Blindness America
www.preventblindness