[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8348--FEB. 27, 2009

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

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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.''
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.
BARACK OBAMA