[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 9739-9740]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-4820]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 42 / Thursday, March 5, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 9739]]


                Proclamation 8348 of February 27, 2009

                
Save Your Vision Week, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                 Blindness and visual impairment affect millions of 
                Americans. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are 
                critical to minimize vision loss from eye diseases as 
                well as vision loss that is correctable with eye 
                glasses or contact lenses. During Save Your Vision 
                Week, I encourage all Americans to take action to 
                protect their vision.

                 Unfortunately, most people have limited knowledge of 
                blinding eye disorders. In a 2005 study by the National 
                Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of 
                Health, only eight percent of respondents knew that 
                glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve 
                and cause vision loss and blindness, strikes without 
                early warning. Similarly, only 11 percent knew that 
                diabetic eye disease also begins as a silent vision 
                threat.

                 Several demographic groups are at higher risk for 
                visual impairment, including teenagers, diabetics, 
                Hispanics, African Americans, and the economically 
                disadvantaged. Older Americans are more susceptible to 
                eye conditions such as age-related macular 
                degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. 
                Children need regular vision screenings because vision 
                disorders left untreated during childhood can lead to 
                permanent visual impairment during adulthood.

                 Still, eye disease knows no bounds, and every American 
                should take steps to protect his or her eyesight. 
                Doctors recommend seeking routine eye examinations, 
                maintaining a healthy diet, wearing sunglasses to 
                protect the eyes from damaging ultraviolet rays, and 
                using protective eyewear in hazardous environments. The 
                National Eye Institute's website, www.nei.nih.gov, 
                provides resources for learning more about common 
                vision conditions and information on finding an eye 
                health professional. By being proactive and seeking out 
                information, Americans can do their part to prevent or 
                reduce vision loss.

                 To remind Americans about the importance of 
                safeguarding their eyesight, the Congress, by joint 
                resolution approved December 30, 1963, as amended (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.''

[[Page 9740]]

                 NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 1 
                through March 7, 2009, as Save Your Vision Week. During 
                this time, I invite eye care professionals, teachers, 
                members of the media, and all organizations dedicated 
                to preserving eyesight to join in activities that will 
                raise awareness of vision diseases and disorders.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
                third.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-4820
Filed 3-4-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P