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Save Your Vision Week
Washington, DC, March, 2006 — President George W. Bush proclaimed March 5 through March 11, 2006, as Save Your Vision Week, an annual proclamation begun by a joint resolution of Congress back in 1963.
In a press release last week from the Office of the White House Press Secretary, President Bush said, “I urge all Americans to have regular eye examinations as part of their health care routine,” and “I encourage all Americans to make eye care and eye safety an important part of their lives.”
The proclamation states that “basic eye care and protection can help citizens maintain and enjoy healthy eyesight” and recommends that individuals “make healthy choices and adopt habits that can prevent disease and injury.”
The importance of early detection of eye disease is emphasized, a message often reflected in glaucoma awareness materials from the Glaucoma Research Foundation and other organizations devoted to glaucoma prevention. The President’s proclamation goes on to state that “glaucoma tests for eligible beneficiaries are covered by Medicare as a part of an initial physical exam for new Medicare beneficiaries” and “Medicare also covers glaucoma screenings for beneficiaries with diabetes who are at high risk or have a family history of the disease.”