Date: October 10, 2002
For Release: Immediately
Contact: Christina Pearson, OPHS
(202) 205-1841

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.

From (l) to (r): Matthew Guidry, Deputy Director for External Affairs, Office of Disease Prevention & Health Promotion, HHS Eve E. Slater, M.D., F.A.C.C., Assistant Secretary for Health, HHS J. Pat Cummings, OD, President, American Optometric Association Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D., Director, NEI

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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