Save Your Vision Week, 2006

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Proclamation 7986 of February 27, 2006

Save Your Vision Week, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Many Americans suffer from diseases and disorders of
the eye that can affect their vision and quality of
life. During Save Your Vision Week, we highlight how
basic eye care and protection can help citizens
maintain and enjoy healthy eyesight.

An important part of ensuring physical well-being
includes making healthy choices and adopting habits
that can prevent disease and injury. Many of the
problems that lead to blindness each year can be
avoided with simple steps to protect the eyes, such as
wearing sunglasses and using protective eyewear while
working in hazardous environments or participating in
sports.

Because the first noticeable symptom of many eye
diseases is often vision loss, early detection is
vital. As a result of the Medicare Modernization Act,
diabetes screenings and glaucoma tests for eligible
beneficiaries are now covered by Medicare as a part of
an initial physical exam for new Medicare
beneficiaries. Medicare also covers glaucoma screenings
for beneficiaries with diabetes who are at high risk or
have a family history of the disease. I encourage
America's seniors to act to preserve their vision by
taking advantage of this health care benefit. And I
urge all Americans to have regular eye examinations as
part of their health care routines.

By raising awareness about the importance of preventing
eye problems and the measures citizens can take to
protect their vision and by providing greater access
for the detection and treatment of eye diseases, we can
continue to work toward a healthier Nation where more
Americans enjoy the gift of healthy vision.

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.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 5
through March 11, 2006, as Save Your Vision Week. I
encourage all Americans to make eye care and eye safety
an important part of their lives.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord
two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

(Presidential Sig.)B