Glaucoma: You Can Make A Difference
The Value of Early Detection As with all major eye diseases, glaucoma can be detected early through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Click here to read The Value of Early Detection. Focus on Eye Health: Educating People in Your Community About Glaucoma With Healthy Vision Month upon us, there are many things you can do to raise awareness about glaucoma now and in the future. Community-based activities, programs, and workshops are effective ways to educate people at higher risk and their loved ones about glaucoma and the importance of getting dilated eye exams every one to two years. Recruit local healthcare professionals, faith communities, businesses, and community leaders to assist you in your efforts. Coordinate a workshop for eye care providers and other healthcare professionals to speak about the importance of comprehensive dilated eye exams and the Medicare benefit that covers these exams. Use the Glaucoma PowerPoint presentation available for download at http://healthyvision2010.nei. nih.gov/hvm2007/presentation.asp. Work with local faith institutions to place information about glaucoma in their weekly bulletins. Download sample announcements at http://healthyvision2010.nei. nih.gov/hvm2007/tools.asp#3. Encourage your local grocery store to include eye health messages on customer receipts and to make announcements over their public address system. Use the sample announcements available at http://healthyvision2010.nei. nih.gov/hvm2007/tools.asp#4. For additional information and suggestions for community outreach activities, please visit http://healthyvision2010.nei.nih.gov/hvm2007/.	Healthy Vision Month Resources There is no better time to make vision a health priority than during Healthy Vision Month. Use the following materials to support your local glaucoma awareness programs and to educate people at higher risk for glaucoma in your community about the importance of comprehensive dilated eye exams. Glaucoma Website This website is a one-stop resource where people can learn important information about early detection, treatment, and follow-up care for glaucoma. Take an interactive Eye-Q Test and order educational materials, including glaucoma postcards, from this site. Available in English and Spanish. Glaucoma Postcards and E-cards This collection of cards is designed to inform people about the importance of dilated eye exams in reducing the risk of vision loss resulting from glaucoma. Show people you care about them and their eye health by sending these cards to organizations in your community, as well as to friends and family members. Available in English and Spanish. Educating Your Community About Glaucoma Handbook This handbook is for people who want to help promote eye health education in their communities. It includes facts about glaucoma, suggestions for activities, promotional materials, and a brochure to copy and distribute. Glaucoma: You Can Make A Difference For more information, visit: