• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

61 Million Americans are at Risk of Vision Loss and Don't Even Know It

Posted on: Thursday, 8 January 2009, 11:06 CST

New Years' Wake Up Call as Lighthouse International and EHE International unveil a New Message at Rockefeller Center

NEW YORK, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thousands of New Yorkers will see a new warning sign in the New Year that urges them to take care of their vision. The sign, located at 10 Rockefeller Plaza and graciously donated by EHE International, was created by Lighthouse International, a l03-year-old leader in vision healthcare. It will be on display until February 2, 2009. The sign says "61 million Americans are at high risk of vision loss. Don't be one of them. It's possible to have a vision problem and not even know it." (Source National Health Interview Survey, Zhang, X et al. 2007)

According to Tara A. Cortes RN, Ph.D., President and CEO of Lighthouse International, "Studies show that Americans are concerned about their vision, but most do not take action to preserve their sight and prevent vision loss. There are, however, important steps that can help save your sight - the first one is to have an annual eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist." She adds, "We are very grateful to EHE International for this generous donation in such a prime location."

According to Deborah McKeever, President of EHE International, "We hope the sign serves to educate people about high risk vision loss and encourage them to have an annual eye exam."

Due to aging baby boomers and diseases such as diabetes, an estimated 1,000,000 people in Greater New York will have vision loss (vision that cannot be corrected by surgery, medication or glasses) by 2015. "In addition to having an eye exam, there are other steps you can take to preserve your sight. They include stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet including fish and green leafy vegetables and exercise," states Dr. Cortes.

To meet the growing demand, Lighthouse International offers a wide range of services to fight vision loss such as a Diabetes Center, low vision exams, as well as devices and rehabilitation that enable people across the vision spectrum to function more effectively.

Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to preserving vision and to providing critically needed health care services to help people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss. Through services, education, research and advocacy, the Lighthouse enables people with low vision and blindness to enjoy safe, independent and productive lives. For more information about vision loss and its causes, contact Lighthouse International at 1-800-829-0500 or visit www.lighthouse.org.

About EHE International

Since 1913, EHE has been a recognized leader in employee and individual Preventive Healthcare Plans (PHP) specifically designed for the early identification of preventable disease and risk factors; clinical management of health findings; referral resources; and personal coaching intervention programs of adverse lifestyle behaviors associated with poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and smoking. Its nationally available PHP is a comprehensive, integrated approach to preventive healthcare for the reduction and management of future medical claims expenses. For more information, contact EHE International, 10 Rockefeller Plaza, 4th Floor, New York, New York 10020; 212.332.3702; www.EHEINTL.com.

Further Contact:

Nicholas Danielides

212-319-7566

nick@danielides.net

Leslie Gottlieb

212-821-9760

LGottlieb@lighthouse.org

SOURCE Lighthouse International

Source: PR Newswire

More News in this Category