Declaring March as "Save Your Vision Month."

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, “An Eye Toward Prevention,” a campaign that encourages the public to protect their eyes by committing to wise preventive measures; 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, Cataracts, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, trauma, and other conditions do not have to result in loss of vision; and

WHEREAS, When the public practices “An Eye Toward Prevention,” the chances of identifying debilitating vision conditions early on and preventing eye injury are increased; and

WHEREAS, The official 2006 “An Eye Toward Prevention” campaign kick-off in City Council will launch a series of free screenings at senior citizens centers, community centers, and educational institutions; 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; 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 maintain “An Eye Toward Prevention.”

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 - 2006.”

End