CDC Launches Vision Health Initiative Site
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has created a new Vision Health Initiative Web site with information regarding vision and eye health, projects with diverse stakeholders, journal publications and reports, and vision health-related resources for professionals and consumers.
The Web site includes an interactive map displaying state-specific vision and eye health statistics. With this tool, states that use the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System visual impairment and access to eye care module can produce reports and presentations with data specific to their states.
In 2004, according to CDC, approximately 3.3 million persons aged 40 years old or younger had blindness or visual impairment; this number is predicted to double by 2030 because of increases in diabetes and other chronic diseases and aging of the U.S. population. With early detection and treatment, half of all blindness can be prevented or reversed.
The Web site can be accessed at www.cdc.gov/visionhealth.