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EyeCare
America Promotes No-Cost Medical Eye Screenings
Through its Glaucoma EyeCare Program |
by:
ARA |
(ARA)
- As someone’s sight diminishes, so does
the ability to fully experience some of
life’s richest moments -- a grandchild learning
to ride a bike, for example, or any number
of nature’s visual wonders. Furthermore,
when people go blind, they face loss of
independence and are more likely to suffer
from depression.
Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in
the United States, is a group of eye diseases
that gradually steals sight without warning
and often without symptoms. In fact, nearly
3 million people have glaucoma, but half
do not realize it. Approximately 120,000
are blind from glaucoma, accounting for
9 percent to 12 percent of all cases of
blindness in the United States. more likely
to go blind than non-diabetics. EyeCare
America, the public service foundation of
the American Academy of Ophthalmology, encourages
people to take advantage of its national
Glaucoma EyeCare Program. This program offers
glaucoma eye screenings and care for those
at increased risk of glaucoma. To see if
you, a loved one or a friend, is eligible
to receive a referral for an eye exam and
care, call (800) 391-EYES (3937), 24 hours,
seven days a week, year round. All eligible
callers receive a referral to one EyeCare
America’s volunteer ophthalmologists.
“If it wasn’t for EyeCare America my husband
may have lost his sight to glaucoma,” said
Eva Gordon, wife of an EyeCare America patient.
The Glaucoma EyeCare Program promotes early
detection and treatment of glaucoma. It
raises awareness of glaucoma risk factors,
provides free glaucoma educational materials
and facilitates access to a glaucoma eye
examination. The Glaucoma EyeCare Program
is designed for people who:
* Are U.S. citizens or legal residents
* Have not had an eye exam in 12 months
or more
* Are at increased risk for glaucoma (family
history, race, age)
People may call the toll-free help line
anytime, for themselves and/or family members
and friends, to see if they qualify for
a glaucoma eye exam or to request free eye
care information.
Those eligible for a referral through the
Glaucoma program receive a glaucoma eye
exam and the initiation of treatment, if
deemed necessary. Patients with insurance
will be billed and are responsible for any
co-payments and/or the cost of the eye examination.
Uninsured patients will receive the above
care at no charge.
Founded in 1980, EyeCare America, the public
service foundation of the American Academy
of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation
of sight, accomplishing its mission through
public service and education. In the United
States, EyeCare America is one of the largest
providers of eye care services to the medically
underserved and educates the general public
about the eye and vision. In developing
nations, EyeCare America helps improve eye
care by providing free educational resources
and materials to ophthalmologists in those
regions. EyeCare America is a non-profit
organization whose success is made possible
by its corps of more than 7,500 volunteer
ophthalmologists dedicated to serving their
communities and through charitable contributions
from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
More information can be found at: www.eyecareamerica.org
Call EyeCare America’s Glaucoma EyeCare
program today. There is a dedicated volunteer
ophthalmologist in your area committed to
preserving your sight.
Courtesy of ARA Content
About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
Circulated by Bandoni
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