New Campaign Challenges Minorities To Have Their Vision Screened

“Statistics and a predisposition for eye disease are two big reasons minorities must take an active role in their eye health, according to the Am Eye Healthy? campaign. April is Minority Health Month, and the Am Eye Healthy? campaign is focusing its attention on Latino and African American eye health. These minority groups have among the highest rates of visual impairment and eye disease such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. In fact, glaucoma is 4 to 5 times more prevalent in African Americans than Caucasians and 75 percent of Latinos currently living with glaucoma and ocular hypertension are unaware of their disease.

At a recent Am Eye Healthy? eye screening event in Houston, Texas over 500 Latino residents showed up to have their vision tested. Nearly 80 percent of the individuals screened failed the test and were referred for follow-up care. Similar results for minority participants were seen in cities across the country. While these numbers are distressing, they are not surprising. Blindness affects African Americans more frequently than Latinos and Caucasians; and Latinos, due to poor eye health education and a genetic predisposition for eye disease, have higher rates of visual impairment than any race or ethnicity.”

Stumble it! | |

Other posts that may interest you

Anti-smoking campaign attacks high rates among minorities - Utah

University of Kansas Taps Leaders Across Kansas for First Meeting of Latino Vision Council

Hispanic Entrepreneur: Annette E. Alvarez > www.tostobueno.com

A conversation with Anthony Lucas of La Vision Advertising - Nashville

Mental-health care faces language, cultural barriers - Officials cite need for multilingual staff, focus on immigrants - Richmond, Virginia

Irion County grad's movie to be screened at Latino film festival

Diversity not always equal deal on front office, managerial level

Mega Events in September, Including Chicago Event This Sat./Sun., Allow Heart Health Campaign to Reach Tens of Thousands of Hispanics During Cholesterol Awareness Month

Challenges for Spanish television in Mid-South have no barrier - Memphis area

Sofa Mart(R) and Furniture Row(R) Outlet Raise over $195,000 to Aid World Vision's Mexico City Street Children Program