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 2005 “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 persons with no health insurance, who have not had an eye examination in the last twelve months; now therefore
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Declares and recognizes March as “Save Your Vision Month” and encourages members of the community to “Set Your S.I.G.H.T. on Eye Care.”
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, as a sincere expression of the Council’s gratitude, appreciation, and commendation for sponsoring and organizing free vision screening throughout Philadelphia during “Save Your Vision Month” 2005.
End