REACH OUT AND READ
AND CVMA CELEBRATE
NATIONAL LITERACY MONTH
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In celebration of National Literacy Month which encourages children to "pick up a good book and explore new worlds," coalition member Reach out and Read has published a CVMA article "Hiding in Plain Sight," in the September pediatrician newsletter.
A child's desire to read, and enjoyment of reading, can be impacted by their visual ability or clearness of vision. Regular vision checks, such as a screening done by the pediatrician at a well-child visit, can be the first and early sign that a child's vision may have changed.
Reach out and Read pediatricians have a unique opportunity when providing a child with a new book - to view the child interacting with their gift, observe how the child uses their vision, and discuss parental concerns around vision, including reviewing any medical history that may indicate a higher risk of a vision disorder for the child.
To read the full article, click here.
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SEPTEMBER IS SPORTS EYE HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH! |
Ninety percent of serious eye injuries could be prevented by wearing appropriate protective eyewear. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends spectators at sporting events should also be careful. Balls, bats, and players can end up in the stands at any time.
Eye injuries from sports may include infection, corneal abrasions, fracture of the eye socket, swollen or detached retinas or a traumatic cataract. Many eye injuries may be avoided by wearing proper eye protection.
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NEW PATIENT PROGRAMS LAUNCHED! |
The goal of ACHIEVE is to emphasize the importance of healthy vision for children. The program also offers a free Webinar Series, designed for parents, guardians and educators. Topics discussed will include, among others, the importance of children’s eye care, signs for the need of eye testing, and low cost or free vision resources. All are welcome to attend. Register for the webinars here!
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The Center for Vision and Population Health at Prevent Blindness is recruiting parents and individuals to join a learning forum program entitled A.S.P.E.C.T. (Advocacy, Support, Perspective, Empowerment, Communication, and Training). The program aim is to empower individuals to be engaged in their own eye health by creating a resource of patients and allies, acting in leadership roles.
Patients who are engaged in all aspects of their health not only experience better outcomes, but are able to contribute to advancements in the healthcare of their communities.
The program is open to any individual who is either at risk of, or cares for someone with a vision disorder, or who has experienced vision loss due to a chronic eye disease. No prior advocacy experience is necessary.
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VSP GLOBAL AND CEO
NAMED AS PREVENT BLINDNESS
2020 "PERSON OF VISION"
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Beginning September 1st, Prevent Blindness begins a celebration of VSP Global and CEO Michael Guyette. VSP Global was selected for the Person of Vision (POV) Award for its 65-year commitment to a mission of providing eyecare services to people who may not otherwise have access to quality care.
Since 1999, VSP Global and Prevent Blindness have provided 123,000 students in need no-cost eye care and eyewear, valued at more than $22 million through the Sight For Students program alone. In total, VSP Global and Prevent Blindness have expanded access to vision care for more than a quarter of a million adults and children in need.
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