EyeCare America Protects Seniors from Vision Loss with Free Dilated Eye Exams During November's
Diabetes Awareness Month

Dilated Eye Exams Available from 7,200 Volunteer Ophthalmologists Across the US

November 1, 2007 - San Francisco, CA -  Diabetes is a growing epidemic in the U.S. including undiagnosed cases.  Authorities believe about 17 million Americans, nearly 6 percent of the U.S. population, have diabetes today.   Everyone with diabetes is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of vision loss among adults in the United States.

For those candidates in need of low-cost health care, getting necessary tests for diabetes and eye care can be a big challenge.  A recent study at the University of California, Los Angeles found elderly patients on Medicare and Medicaid are not receiving quality care, only getting 65% of tests and treatments recommended for illnesses and conditions. In fact, researchers said nearly 60 percent of those diabetes patients did not undergo vision testing during the study's one-year period.

“Diabetes causes up to 24,000 new cases of vision loss each year,” said Richard P. Mills, MD, ophthalmologist and chairman of EyeCare America.  “But what people don’t know is that early detection, timely treatment and appropriate follow-up care can reduce the risk of blindness by 95 percent., even for people with established and significant diabetic retinopathy.”

In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month taking place in November, EyeCare America,a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, encourages people age 65 and older to take advantage of its Diabetes EyeCare Program. This year-round program offers eye exams and up to one year of care at no out-of-pocket cost to qualified patients.  To see if you, a loved one or a friend, is eligible to receive a referral to one of EyeCare America's 7,200 volunteer ophthalmologists, call 1-800-272-EYES (3937). The EyeCare America help lines are open 24 hours a day, every day, year round.
 

People with diabetes are 25 times more likely to lose vision than those without the disease. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely it is for him or her to have retinopathy. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy usually has no warning signs. Over time, however, the vision blurs and everyday tasks become more difficult. Vision loss cannot usually be regained.

EyeCare America's Diabetes EyeCare  Program:

·     promotes annual, dilated eye exams for seniors with diabetes,

·     raises awareness about diabetic eye disease, including diabetic retinopathy,

·     provides free diabetic eye disease   educational materials and

·     facilitates access to eye care.

People eligible for a referral through the program receive a comprehensive, medical eye exam and up to one year of care at no out-of-pocket cost for any disease diagnosed during the initial exam. Volunteer ophthalmologists accept Medicare and/or other insurance reimbursement as payment in full.

EyeCare America's Diabetes EyeCare Program is designed for people who:
- Are age 65 and older
- Are US citizens or legal residents
- Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years
- Do not have insurance through an HMO or the VA

For a Diabetes EyeCare Program referral, those interested may call 1.800.272.EYES (3937) toll-free, 24 hours a day, every day, year round.
 

About EyeCare America

Founded in 1985, EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. EyeCare America's public service programs provide eye care services to the medically underserved and for those at increased risk for eye disease through its corps of 7,200 volunteer ophthalmologists dedicated to serving their communities.  More than 90 percent of the care made available is provided with no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. Public service includes programs for seniors, glaucoma, diabetes, AMD and children, and is the largest program of its kind in American medicine. Since its inception, EyeCare America has helped more than 860,000 people. More information can be found at: www.eyecareamerica.org

Media Contact: Allison Neves, Director of EyeCare America Communications, 415.561.8518, aneves@aao.org

NOTE TO EDITORS AND PRODUCERS: High-resolution images available in the EyeCare America Press Room at www.eyecareamerica.org  B-roll as well as interviews with EyeCare America spokespeople available upon request.