[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 47 (Thursday, March 9, 2000)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 12903-12904]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-6011]



[[Page 12901]]

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Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 7280--Save Your Vision Week, 2000
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  Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 47 / Thursday, March 9, 2000 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 12903]]

                Proclamation 7280 of March 6, 2000

                
Save Your Vision Week, 2000

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Sight is a precious gift that enables us to experience 
                the wonder of the world around us; but few of us think 
                about what we would do if we lost our vision. 
                Unfortunately, millions of Americans must face this 
                challenge because of conditions like cataracts, 
                glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, or age-related macular 
                degeneration.

                Our most powerful tool in the battle against vision 
                loss is early detection. A dilated eye examination can 
                reveal signs of many eye diseases and disorders long 
                before a patient experiences pain or any other 
                noticeable symptom. Through early intervention and 
                treatment, the vision loss accompanying such diseases 
                can be reduced, postponed, or even prevented. 
                Protective eyewear can also play a vital role in saving 
                vision, particularly for individuals who use chemicals 
                or operate machinery.

                There is hope as well for people who suffer from low 
                vision. Affecting 1 in 20 Americans, low vision is an 
                impairment that cannot be corrected by standard 
                glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, and 
                interferes with one's ability to participate in 
                everyday activities. While it can occur in people of 
                all ages and backgrounds, low vision primarily affects 
                the growing population of people over 65 years old; 
                other higher risk populations, including Hispanic and 
                African Americans, are more likely to develop low 
                vision at an earlier age.

                While vision loss usually cannot be restored, vision 
                rehabilitation techniques and products can make daily 
                life much easier for people with low vision. From 
                improved lighting in stairways and closets to talking 
                clocks and computers to large-print labels on 
                appliances, there are numerous products and services 
                that can help people with low vision maintain their 
                confidence and independence, and improve their overall 
                quality of life.

                Every day, physicians and researchers make progress in 
                the search for better treatments--and ultimately a 
                cure--for vision loss. In this new century, emerging 
                technologies will improve upon existing visual devices 
                and techniques, and new medications will ensure more 
                effective treatment of eye diseases and disorders. By 
                investing in research and technology and committing to 
                regular comprehensive eye examinations, we can ensure a 
                brighter, healthier future for ourselves and our 
                children.

[[Page 12904]]

                To remind Americans of the importance of safeguarding 
                their eyesight, the Congress, by joint resolution 
                approved December 30, 1963 (77 Stat. 629; 36 U.S.C. 
                138), has authorized and requested the President to 
                proclaim the first week in March of each year as ``Save 
                Your Vision Week.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 5 
                through March 11, 2000, as Save Your Vision Week. I 
                urge all Americans to participate by making eye care 
                and eye safety an important part of their lives and to 
                ensure that dilated eye examinations are included in 
                their regular health maintenance programs. I invite eye 
                care professionals, the media, and all public and 
                private organizations dedicated to preserving eyesight 
                to join in activities that will raise awareness of the 
                measures we can take to protect and sustain our vision.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                sixth day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand, and of the Independence of the United States 
                of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 00-6011
Filed 3-8-00; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P