EyeWatch Program receives $12K grant

The Miami Valley Ohio Chapter of Prevent Blindness received a $12,000 grant from The Virginia W. Kettering Foundation to deliver its EyeWatch Program in Montgomery and Miami counties.

The goal of PBO’s EyeWatch Program is to decrease the incidence of preventable vision loss among Ohio’s high-risk adult populations through promotion of healthy lifestyles, early detection and treatment.

With the aging population growing and increasing incidence of diabetes, the prevalence of eye disease and vision loss is a significant public health and personal concern.

Blindness and vision impairment affect one’s ability to drive, read, work, learn, stay active in the community, and take care of household tasks. Declines in these abilities can lead to social isolation, depression and increased risk of falls and injuries that, unfortunately, can create an emotional and economic toll on individuals and families.

PBO will continue to partner with Montgomery and Miami County senior centers, social service organizations and healthcare facilities and provide their staff and volunteers with training to prepare them to deliver eye health education presentations and vision screenings to area residents. Disadvantaged area residents failing the vision assessment will be connected with PBO’s voluntary system of comprehensive vision services to receive further eye care and eyewear at no cost.

Please contact PBO at 800-3012020 to connect with the Montgomery and Miami County EyeWatch Program or visit them on the web at www.pbohio.org.