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Declaring March as "Save Your Vision Month."
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WHEREAS, "Save Your Vision Month" is a national event sponsored every March by the American Optometric Association; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania College of Optometry is recognizing "Save Your Vision Month" with a vision health public awareness campaign entitled, "Set Your S.I.G.H.T. on Eye Care", a campaign that encourages the public to undertake specific actions to prevent vision loss; and
WHEREAS, Vision can be protected by;
Scheduling annual eye examinations
Introducing a child to the importance of vision safety
Getting to know your family history
Handling your eyewear with utmost care
Taking changes in your vision seriously; and
WHEREAS, The number of blind individuals in the United States exceeds one million; and
WHEREAS, The causes of blindness are numerous, but individuals can implement preventive steps to reduce the risk of vision loss; and
WHEREAS, Uncorrected refractive error, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, trachoma, trauma, and other conditions do not have to result in loss of vision; and
WHEREAS, When the public is observing the S.I.G.H.T. mandates, the chances of identifying vision conditions early and preventing eye injury are increased; and
WHEREAS, The official 2004 "Set your S.I.G.H.T. on Eye-Care" campaign kick-off in City Council will launch a series of free screenings at Regional Free Library Branches, Senior Citizens Centers, and community centers; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania College of Optometry hopes that these free vision screening events will encourage members of the community, especially those who fall into high risk groups, to take a proactive approach to caring for their eyes; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania College of Optometry is also participating in Vision USA, a national effort to provide free eye examinations for working...
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