Vision Awareness Week for New York

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has proclaimed March 26-April 1, 2006, as 'Vision Awareness Week' for the city and has encouraged New Yorkers to think about their eye health. In total, vision problems affect over two million citizens of New York, making it a common health concern among city residents.

According to the National Eye Institute, one in four city children has a vision problem that can interfere with learning. And one in three New Yorkers over the age of 40 have a sight-threatening eye disease. Many vision impairments can be corrected and diseases can be delayed, but only with proper and timely care.

In the city, several groups are working to educate New Yorkers about the need for regular vision care. For the past 20 years, the Vision Council of America has raised the profile of the importance of vision care through its International Vision Expo trade show held each year in New York. Funds from this show are re-invested in vision health education through the organization's Check Yearly. See Clearly campaign.

Locally, the New York Children's Vision Coalition, advocates for children's vision care and operates an Eye Care Mobile Van throughout the city. Optometrists from the SUNY College of Optometry man the Mobile Van and perform eye exams for children in schools and daycare centers.

'I applaud Mayor Bloomberg for calling attention to the important issue of vision health', said Bill Thomas, Ceo and executive vice president of the Vision Council of America. 'Millions of New Yorkers, from infants to seniors, suffer from uncorrected vision problems. By getting the word out, we can help to preserve their vision and improve their quality of life'.