Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 43 / Wednesday, March 5, 1997 / Presidential Documents 9907

Proclamation 6976 of March 3, 1997

Save Your Vision Week, 1997

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our eyes are our windows to the world. They give us the freedom to

gaze at a sunset, read a book, or drive a car. Our sight allows us to jog

along a garden pathway or enjoy a panoramic view.

All of us need to care for our vision, but older Americans in particular

should be aware of their susceptibility to eye disease. As the ‘‘baby boom’’

generation ages, it is critical that these Americans receive regular eye examinations from eye-care professionals.

A thorough exam can lead to early detection and control or cure of eye

diseases such as glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy. A professional

eye exam can also diagnose age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of severe visual impairment and blindness in the United States.

This common disease affects the retina, the part of the eye that helps

to produce sharp, central vision required for activities such as reading and

driving. AMD causes a loss of this clear, central vision; in some cases,

vision loss is rapid and dramatic. The risk of AMD dramatically increases

after age 60. It is estimated that this disease already causes visual impairment

in approximately 1.7 million of the 34 million Americans now older than

65. As these numbers continue to grow, researchers are working to find

the cause of, and develop treatment for, this debilitating disease.

People with AMD and its accompanying visual impairment often cannot

perform daily activities such as reading the newspaper, preparing meals,

or recognizing faces of friends. The inability to see well affects routine

activities and social interactions and can lead to a loss of independence.

However, low-vision services and devices can greatly improve the quality

of life for visually impaired patients and help them maintain their independence. Devices such as hand-held magnifiers, computer monitors with large

type, and large-print newspapers and books can help the visually impaired

dramatically improve their quality of life.

To remind Americans of the importance of protecting their eyesight, the

Congress, by joint resolution approved December 30, 1963 (77 Stat. 629;

36 U.S.C. 169a), has authorized and requested the President to proclaim

the first week in March of each year as ‘‘Save Your Vision Week.’’
9908 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 43 / Wednesday, March 5, 1997 / Presidential Documents

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States

of America, do hereby proclaim March 2 through March 8, 1997, as Save

Your Vision Week. Our eyes play a vital role in our independence and

daily living and need to be examined regularly. Let us recognize the work

done by vision researchers across our Nation on AMD and other eye diseases

and the efforts they are making to enhance and retain our precious sight.

Education on good vision starts with us, and we should take progressive

steps to protect our eyes.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of

March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, and

of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred

[FR Doc. 97–5566

Filed 3–4–97; 8:45 am]

Billing code 3195–01–P

and twenty-first.

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