'Am Eye Healthy?' campaign focuses on raising awareness and improving eye health of 75 Million aging Boomers

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- "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, http://www.ameyehealthy.org/. 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 http://www.ameyehealthy.org/ 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. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020 or visit us on the Web at http://www.preventblindness.org/.

Source: Prevent Blindness America