[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 9 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Pages 396-397]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6869--Save Your Vision Week, 1996

March 1, 1996

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Vision is a remarkable gift. Our eyes allow us to read, to see the 
faces of our loved ones, and to experience many of life's greatest 
pleasures. Too often, we take our sight for granted and must be reminded 
that our eyes require regular care and attention. The more we learn 
about preventing eye disease and vision loss, the better equipped we 
will be to take care of these vital organs.
    Many young people suffer from vision-related learning disabilities 
that jeopardize their academic success. However, with early 
intervention, such sight problems are often easily correctable. Senior 
citizens, too, are particularly vulnerable to eye difficulties, but we 
are fortunate that advances in medical research are improving our 
understanding of the diseases that often rob older Americans of their 
sight.
    As a result of these new technologies and discoveries in the field 
of eye care, many diseases that would have caused permanent sight loss 
just decades ago can now be treated with excellent prospects for full 
recovery. For example, people with diabetes can reduce their risk of 
blindness with timely laser surgery, the effects of glaucoma can often 
be prevented, and studies are exploring the role of vitamins and 
minerals in slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration 
and cataract.
    To educate people about these strides and to encourage all Americans 
to protect their precious eyesight, the Congress, by joint resolution 
approved December 30, 1963 (77 Stat. 629; 36 U.S.C. 169a), 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 3 through March 9, 1996, as 
Save Your Vision Week. I urge all the people of the United States to 
participate in this observance by making eye care and eye safety a 
priority and to recognize the important contributions that vision 
research makes to our lives. I invite eye care professionals, the media, 
and all public and private organizations committed to the goal of sight 
preservation to join in activities that educate our citizens about the 
simple steps they can take to save their vision.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twentieth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:13 a.m, March 4, 
1996]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
March 5.

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