[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 10 (Monday, March 11, 2002)]
[Pages 336-337]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7528--Save Your Vision Week, 2002

 March 2, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Healthy vision is a precious gift that allows us to enjoy the beauty 
of nature, the smile of a loved one, and the many wonders in the world 
around us. Unfortunately for 14 million Americans, eye problems can 
interfere with daily activities and inhibit the enjoyment of life.
    Health officials have identified the most significant and 
preventable threats to vision. According to the Department of Health and 
Human Service's Healthy People 2010 report, visual impairment represents 
one of our country's 10 most frequent causes of disability.
    To help avoid or remedy vision problems, we must remain dedicated to 
the prevention of eye injuries, emphasize early detection of eye 
disease, work to research and develop new treatments and rehabilitation 
therapies, and promote vision health awareness. All Americans should 
take steps to ensure that eye health becomes a priority in our homes, 
businesses, and communities. We should commit to receiving regular 
dilated eye examinations; we should wear protective eyewear when 
necessary, both recreationally and on the job; and we must make every 
effort to ensure children age 5 and under receive vision screening.
    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.'' During this year's observance, let us renew our 
commitment to fighting the causes of visual impairment and to supporting 
good eye health. I encourage all Americans to learn more about ways to 
prevent eye problems and to help others maintain the invaluable asset of 
eyesight.

[[Page 337]]

    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim March 3 through March 9, 2002, as Save Your 
Vision Week. I urge all Americans to make eye care and eye safety an 
important part of their lives and to include dilated eye examinations 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 measures we can take to protect and sustain our vision.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of 
March, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., March 5, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on March 4, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
March 6.