The statistics from Prevent Blindness Ohio are sobering: Nearly 200,000 Ohioans are blind or visually impaired; and 16% percent of Ohioans are at risk of losing their sight without early detection and professional treatment.
And the problem will only grow worse: By 2030, more than 2.5 million Ohioans will be affected by conditions that will impair their vision.
Clermont County Public Health (CCPH) works closely with PBO, a public health organization dedicated to preventing blindness, to assist Clermont County residents in getting a free eye exam and/or glasses. If you do not have a vision program through your insurance plan contact CCPH to see if you qualify for a free eye exam and glasses at 513-735-8400. Some insurance plans will cover the eye exam but not the glasses. Check with your insurance provider to see what coverage you might have before contacting CCPH. Once approved for the program, a voucher is given to the participant to take to a local provider who donates their time and expertise to help with getting an exam and glasses.
“Through this program I am now able to take my driver’s license exam for the first time in years,” said a recent PBO participant. Safe driving requires complex visual process – abilities that may begin to decline as you age. A loss in your visual abilities could endanger you and others on the road.
CAUSES OF VISION IMPAIRMENT: Eye injuries, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (MD). In children, amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes).
TIPS: You can lower your risk of eye disease and vision loss if you exercise, don’t smoke, wear sunglasses, eat a healthy diet, and have regular eye exams.
Many eye diseases, including those associated with diabetes, do not exhibit any initial symptoms before permanent vision loss can occur. An eye exam with pupil dilation is the best defense against undetected eye disease. Good sunglasses reduce glare and filter out 99%-100% of ultraviolent rays. If you are 55 or older, you should get a dilated eye exam at least once every two years. If you have diabetes or other health problems, you may need to see an eye doctor more often.
If you have any questions or need assistance with improving your eyesight, please contact Clermont County Public Health to see if you qualify for a free eye exam and glasses.
