Save Your Vision Week, 2002

Proclamation 7528 of March 2, 2002

Save Your Vision Week, 2002

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.

(Presidential Sig.)B