EyeCare America kicks off national Hispanic campaign.

EyeCare America’s Seniors EyeCare Program is launching Ver es Vivir (Seeing is Living), a national public awareness campaign to educate Hispanic seniors about the importance of regular eye examinations to prevent vision-impairing diseases.

The campaign will launch at a kick-off event hosted by the Hispanic Federation on Monday, September 22nd from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The Hispanic Federation is located at 55 Exchange Place on the 5th Floor in New York City. Media is invited to attend.

In support of Ver es Vivir Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Governor David Patterson have declared September 22nd, Ver es Vivir Day in the City and State of New York. Ver es Vivir is also being supported by several community organizations that serve the Hispanic community including the Manhattan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the New York City Department of Aging, N.E.T.S
Inc., United Way of New York City, the National Association for Hispanic Elderly, the New York State Ophthalmological Society and the Community Association for Progressive Dominican.

“I commend EyeCare America for bringing this vital healthcare message to Hispanics in New York,” said Governor of New York, David Paterson. “Thanks to the Seniors EyeCare Program, all qualifying New York residents can access medical eye care.”

The year-long campaign will work with community organizations and the media to raise Hispanics’ awareness of risk factors by providing educational materials, and facilitating access to eye examinations often at no out-of-pocket cost. Individuals are asked to call 1-800-222-EYES (3937), to determine if they are eligible to receive a referral for a free eye exam and care. The help line is available in English, 24 hours a day, every day, year round. Spanish language is available 8am-7pm (CST), Monday — Friday.

“Many Hispanic seniors don’t realize that an annual eye exam with an ophthalmologist can help detect vision-impairing diseases,” said Rene Rodriguez-Sains, MD, EyeCare America volunteer ophthalmologist. “Ver es Vivir aims to educate individuals about how earlier detection can help prevent vision loss.”