Good eyesight is an important health quality that is neglected in a large segment of our population. Rates of myopia (near sightedness) are increasing worldwide. Close vision impairment that occurs with aging can also create problems for people. A recent report of a visual acuity survey made by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) found these needs in the U.S.:

• Approximately 14 million American have significant visual impairment
• 11 million of these individuals could have their vision improved with refractive correction

Make sure you, your family, and your employees have good vision. Encourage regular vision care or screening to help identify people whose lives and safety could be improved by improving vision.

Source: JAMA (May, 2006), 295:2158-63.