[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 9 (Monday, March 6, 2006)]
[Pages 365-366]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7986--Save Your Vision Week, 2006

 February 28, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Many Americans suffer from diseases and disorders of the eye that 
can affect their vision and quality of life. During Save Your Vision 
Week, we highlight how basic eye care and protection can help citizens 
maintain and enjoy healthy eyesight.
    An important part of ensuring physical well-being includes making 
healthy choices and adopting habits that can prevent disease and injury. 
Many of the problems that lead to blindness each year can be avoided 
with simple steps to protect the eyes, such as wearing sunglasses and 
using protective eyewear while working in hazardous environments or 
participating in sports.
    Because the first noticeable symptom of many eye diseases is often 
vision loss, early detection is vital. As a result of the Medicare 
Modernization Act, diabetes screenings and glaucoma tests for eligible 
beneficiaries are now covered by Medicare as a part of an initial 
physical exam for new Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare also covers 
glaucoma

[[Page 366]]

screenings for beneficiaries with diabetes who are at high risk or have 
a family history of the disease. I encourage America's seniors to act to 
preserve their vision by taking advantage of this health care benefit. 
And I urge all Americans to have regular eye examinations as part of 
their health care routines.
    By raising awareness about the importance of preventing eye problems 
and the measures citizens can take to protect their vision and by 
providing greater access for the detection and treatment of eye 
diseases, we can continue to work toward a healthier Nation where more 
Americans enjoy the gift of healthy vision.
    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, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim March 5 through March 11, 2006, as Save Your 
Vision Week. I encourage all Americans to make eye care and eye safety 
an important part of their lives.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh 
day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 12:05 p.m., March 1, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 
2.