July 2023 - Healthy Vision Month: The Importance of Eye Health and Recognizing Eye Care Professionals
July is Healthy Vision Month, and it is a good time to schedule an eye exam to check for common eye problems. The CDC’s Vision Health Initiative partners with the National Eye Institute to encourage all Americans to make vision a health priority this month. Most vision issues can be prevented, so it is important to take care of your eyes.
Each year, the National Eye Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health, recognizes the month of July as Healthy Vision Month. This is an opportunity to bring attention to eye health and recognize opticians and other eye care professionals.
This year’s theme for Healthy Vision Month is Eye on Health Equity. The theme emphasizes the importance of equity in vision and eye health care. Having healthy eyes and vision are as pertinent to overall health and well-being as are mental and physical health. Everyone should have open access to eye health care from optometrists and other eye care professionals, and this year’s Healthy Vision Month theme is an opportunity to recognize and start conversations about how to close the gaps in vision care among different populations.
This month is also a time to learn how to protect your vision and eye health. Getting regular eye exams (including eye dilatation) is important, but there are other factors that influence vision. Some ways to protect your vision and eye health include:
- Receiving regular eye exams
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Not using cigarettes or other tobacco and nicotine products
- Wearing sun protection for the eyes when outdoors
- Wearing protective eyewear when necessary
- Learning about your family’s eye health history
Because Allen Temple is committed to our congregation’s and community’s overall health and wellbeing, we are adding a new feature to our annual health fair. Please join us at this year’s Holistic Health Fair—our 43rd—where we will partner with a local chapter of the Lions Club to provide FREE vision screening and FREE eyeglasses. Everyone is welcome and there is no medical insurance or documentation required. This critical service will be available as part of the Health Fair on Saturday, July 15th, 10am-2pm. Registration is recommended!
Sources:
Center for Disease Control, National Institutes of Health