With recent research confirming an alarming increase in eye disease among older Americans, the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and Transitions Optical, Inc., have amplified their efforts to educate at-risk African Americans about the importance of regular eye care.
According to research conducted by Transitions Optical, just four out of 10 African Americans schedule annual eye exams. Additionally, African Americans are the most likely to do nothing to protect their eyes from the sun, which has been linked to diseases such as cataract and diabetic retinopathy — both of which are more prevalent among African Americans.
In June 2012, Prevent Blindness America released a report showing a significant increase in eye diseases that are more common among African Americans, including 19 percent increase in cataract, 22 percent increase in glaucoma, and 89 percent spike in diabetic eye disease.
To help educate African Americans about the importance of eye and vision health, Transitions Optical has made available the brochure “What to Expect” African-American Eyes.”
Transitions Optical and NCNW will also be providing free vision screenings for attendees of the West Coast Black Family Reunion Celebration on Saturday, July 13, along West 54th Street in Los Angeles.
