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Santa Ana Mayor Miguel A. Pulido Hosts“Ver es Poder” Glaucoma Awareness Day
Santa Ana, CA – On Saturday, May 10, 2008, Mayor Miguel A. Pulido will help host “Ver es Poder” – Seeing is Empowering – Glaucoma Awareness Day from 9 am to 5 pm at the Delhi Center, 505 East Central Avenue in Santa Ana. Presented by the Glaucoma Research Foundation’s Latino Leadership Council and sponsored by Allergan, the event will offer free screenings for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Spanish-speaking physicians will be available to talk about any potential findings in the screenings, and information booths will provide referrals on health access and resources. All area residents, especially seniors, are urged to attend.
Research from the USC Doheny Eye Institute found that Latinos are among the highest groups at risk for glaucoma, and that as many as 75% of those with glaucoma are unaware of their condition. A disease that in many cases has no symptoms at its onset, glaucoma can bring irreparable damage to the optic nerve, potentially leading to blindness. However, vision can be preserved with early detection and treatment.
“Considered the silent thief of sight, it is critically important that our community gains a greater understanding of this disease in order to protect the health of their vision. We are fortunate to have the support and commitment of key community partners to bring this level of resources and awareness to Santa Ana,” stated Mayor Pulido. The Glaucoma Research Foundation’s Latino Leadership Council is chaired by Spanish-language broadcasting pioneer Jose Molina.
This event also has the support of the City Council Wellness Ad Hoc Committee which was recently formed to address health-related issues and identify projects that will help improve the well-being of our residents. Along with Mayor Pulido, Councilmembers Michele Martinez and Sal Tinajero, serve on the Wellness Ad Hoc Committee.
In order to help facilitate attendance to the event, the City of Santa Ana is providing free transportation to and from the event. Shuttle pick-up from the Southwest Senior Center (2201 W. Mc Fadden Ave) and the Santa Ana Senior Center (424 W 3rd St.) will be available at 8:30 am, 9:30 am, and 10:30 am. Shuttle drop-off service from the Delhi Center will be returning to both senior centers at noon and 12:30 pm.
Additional details on the event are available on the City of Santa Ana website. The Glaucoma Research Foundation is the nation’s most experienced foundation dedicated solely to glaucoma research and education. For more information, please visit www.glaucoma.org or call (800) 826-6693.