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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2002
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Contact: Christina Pearson, OPHS
(202) 205-1841
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HHS ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP TO IMPROVE THE NATION'S VISUAL HEALTH
In recognition of World Sight Day, HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today
announced a new public-private partnership with the American Optometric
Association (AOA) to improve visual health and implement the visual
objectives contained in Healthy People 2010, the department's guidelines for
health priorities in the first decade of the 21st century.
The new partnership, which is detailed in a recently signed Memorandum of
Understanding, aims at preventing blindness and otherwise improving the
eyesight of Americans. More than 1 million Americans aged 40 and over are
currently blind and an additional 2.4 million are visually impaired. These
numbers are expected to double over the next 30 years as the Baby Boomer
generation ages.
"HHS is committed to improving our nation's health, and vision disorders are
of prime concern," Secretary Thompson said. "Much of blindness can be
prevented with early detection and treatment. For those who have already
lost most of their vision, their quality of life can be greatly improved
with vision rehabilitation services, training and devices. This partnership
allows us to join forces with a nationwide network of optometric
professionals, optometric students and schools of optometry, and patients to
improve Americans' vision."
Dr. Pat Cummings, president of the AOA, stated, "The leadership of the AOA
believes that optometrists owe it to their patients and communities to play
a greater role in helping them maintain not just good vision, but good
health. Our House of Delegates passed a resolution of continued endorsement
and support of these very important objectives. Optometry is committed to
its role as primary eye care providers to the people of our nation."
Under the agreement, HHS will provide technical assistance for data and
implementation activities through the National Eye Institute (NEI), the lead
agency for the Healthy People 2010 vision objectives. In addition, HHS will
facilitate joint professional education efforts and bring AOA together with
other organizations that share a mutual interest in disease prevention,
health promotion and the elimination of health disparities. It will also
build new working relationships between state Healthy People coordinators,
the public health community and optometrists.
Congress established the NEI in 1968. Its mission is to protect and prolong
the vision of the American people. Through the National Eye Health Education
Program, the NEI partners with over 65 professional, civic and voluntary
organizations to conduct large-scale public and professional education
programs.
In 2003, NEI will focus on the reduction of vision impairment in children (a
Healthy People 2010 objective). Current activities include collaboration
with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to sponsor the "See All You Can See"
Healthy Vision Poster Contest. During May 2003, they will also sponsor the
first annual Healthy Vision Month.
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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are
available at www.hhs.gov/news.
Last Revised: October 10, 2002
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