George W. Bush

“ I urge all Americans to participate by making eye care and eye safety an important part of their lives and to get regular eye examinations. I also encourage eye care professionals, teachers, the media, and all public and private organizations dedicated to preserving eyesight to join in activities that will raise awareness of the measures all citizens can take to protect vision. ”

“ Diabetes can seriously affect vision in addition to general health. An estimated 40 to 45 percent of all people diagnosed with diabetes will develop some degree of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of new cases of blindness in working-age Americans that often presents few warning signs and no pain. Other eye diseases such as glaucoma may cause vision damage and eventual blindness without the individual being aware of a problem. ”

“ Eating healthy foods, wearing safety glasses, and avoiding the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays are ways to help to keep our eyes healthy. Regular, comprehensive exams are also important to maintain good vision and eye health. For children, regular eye exams can help parents ensure that their children's vision is developing normally and can identify a problem before it becomes more serious. ”