Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 42 / Thursday, March 5, 2009 / Presidential Documents 9739 

Proclamation 8348 of February 27, 2009 

Save Your Vision Week, 2009 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

Blindness and visual impairment affect millions of Americans. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to minimize vision loss from eye 

diseases as well as vision loss that is correctable with eye glasses or contact 

lenses. During Save Your Vision Week, I encourage all Americans to take 

action to protect their vision. 

Unfortunately, most people have limited knowledge of blinding eye disorders. 

In a 2005 study by the National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes 

of Health, only eight percent of respondents knew that glaucoma, a condition 

that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss and blindness, strikes 

without early warning. Similarly, only 11 percent knew that diabetic eye 

disease also begins as a silent vision threat. 

Several demographic groups are at higher risk for visual impairment, including teenagers, diabetics, Hispanics, African Americans, and the economically 

disadvantaged. Older Americans are more susceptible to eye conditions such 

as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. 

Children need regular vision screenings because vision disorders left untreated during childhood can lead to permanent visual impairment during 

adulthood. 

Still, eye disease knows no bounds, and every American should take steps 

to protect his or her eyesight. Doctors recommend seeking routine eye examinations, maintaining a healthy diet, wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes 

from damaging ultraviolet rays, and using protective eyewear in hazardous 

environments. The National Eye Institute’s website, www.nei.nih.gov, provides resources for learning more about common vision conditions and 

information on finding an eye health professional. By being proactive and 

seeking out information, Americans can do their part to prevent or reduce 

vision loss. 

To remind Americans about the importance of safeguarding their eyesight, 

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.’’ 


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9740 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 42 / Thursday, March 5, 2009 / Presidential Documents 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States 

of America, do hereby proclaim March 1 through March 7, 2009, as Save 

Your Vision Week. During this time, I invite eye care professionals, teachers, 

members of the media, and all organizations dedicated to preserving eyesight 

to join in activities that will raise awareness of vision diseases and disorders. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh 

day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtythird. 

[FR Doc. E9–4820 

Filed 3–4–09; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W9–P 


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