For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 4, 2002
Save Your Vision Week Proclamation
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Healthy vision is a precious gift that allows us to enjoy the
beauty of nature, the smile of a loved one, and the many
wonders in the world around us. Unfortunately for 14 million
Americans, eye problems can interfere with daily activities and inhibit
the enjoyment of life.
Health officials have identified the most significant and
preventable threats to vision. According to the Department
of Health and Human Service 's Healthy People 2010 report, visual
impairment represents one of our country's 10 most frequent causes of
disability.
To help avoid or remedy vision problems, we must remain dedicated
to the prevention of eye injuries, emphasize early detection of eye
disease, work to research and develop new treatments and rehabilitation
therapies, and promote vision health awareness. All
Americans should take steps to ensure that eye health becomes a
priority in our homes, businesses, and communities. We
should commit to receiving regular dilated eye examinations; we should
wear protective eyewear when necessary, both recreationally and on the
job; and we must make every effort to ensure children age 5 and under
receive vision screening.
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." During this year's observance, let us
renew our commitment to fighting the causes of visual impairment and to
supporting good eye health. I encourage all Americans to
learn more about ways to prevent eye problems and to help others
maintain the invaluable asset of eyesight.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim March 3 through March 9, 2002, as Save
Your Vision Week. I urge all Americans to make eye care and
eye safety an important part of their lives and to include dilated eye
examinations in their regular health maintenance programs. I
invite eye care professionals, the media, and all public and private
organizations dedicated to preserving eyesight to join in activities
that will raise awareness of measures we can take to protect and
sustain our vision.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
this second day of
March, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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