Each year, the National Eye Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), recognizes the month of July as Healthy Vision Month. This is an opportunity to bring attention to eye health and recognize opticians and other eye care professionals.
This year’s theme for Healthy Vision Month is Eye on Health Equity. The theme emphasizes the importance of both diversity in the workforce of eye care professionals and equity in vision and eye health care. Having healthy eyes and vision are as pertinent to overall health and well-being as are mental and physical health. Everyone should have open access to eye health care from optometrists and other eye care professionals, and this year’s Healthy Vision Month theme is an opportunity to recognize and start conversations about how to close the gaps in vision care among different populations.
This month also is a time to learn how to best protect vision and eye health. Getting regular eye exams (including eye dilatation) is important, but there are other factors that influence vision. Some ways to protect your vision and eye health include:
- Receiving regular eye exams
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Not using cigarettes or other tobacco and nicotine products
- Wearing sun protection for the eyes when outdoors
- Wearing protective eyewear when necessary
- Learning about your family’s eye health history
The HEROES Research team would like to thank all eye healthcare professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to the personal and professional lives of all healthcare workers, including eye care professionals.
All eye care professionals, as well as their family members and friends, are invited to join the HERO Registry, a community of people who share what it is like to work and live during the COVID-19 pandemic. After joining the HERO Registry, people who have recently received a COVID-19 vaccine can join HERO-TOGETHER, a paid post-vaccination research opportunity. By taking part, participants provide real-time information to help us better understand vaccine safety and how vaccines affect different people over time. Help us spread the word, and thank you for your work.
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