May 2021
Dear NEHEP Partners, 

As we celebrate Healthy Vision Month this year, we’re shining a spotlight on the importance of diversity and professional development in the eye health field — and how that can help everyone have an equal chance for healthy vision.

Use this edition of the Eye Health Connection newsletter to find events and resources that will help you promote health equity in your work. And be sure to check out NEI’s new strategic plan, which is now available for public comment. Please send your comments to NEIPlan@nei.nih.gov by June 7.

Best,
Maria Zacharias
Director of Communications
National Eye Institute
Join the conversation about health equity in eye care
For Healthy Vision Month this year, we talked to eye health professionals about the importance of diversity and representation in the eye health field. Read what they have to say — and help us spread the word about Healthy Vision Month with sample social media messages, shareable social media graphics, and newsletter content.
See how Columbia University is preventing vision loss among New York City residents
Glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are common — but many people don’t know they have these conditions until they’ve started losing their vision. That’s why researchers at Columbia University are offering free onsite vision screenings and eye exams to people age 40 and older at some New York City Housing Authority complexes. This program is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it aims to prevent vision loss among people who are most at risk — and to help them get follow-up care going forward.
Check out these grants for early-career eye health researchers
The Glaucoma Foundation and Research to Prevent Blindness are pleased to announce a new round of grants that support early-career researchers as they seek new knowledge related to eye diseases — the Career Advancement Awards (CAAs). They plan to award up to 3 CAAs of $150,000 each. Be sure to apply by June 15!
Make the connection between eye health and public policy with AOA’s Health Policy Institute
The American Optometric Association (AOA)’s Health Policy Institute (HPI) is a thought leader in public policy research. HPI informs patients, policymakers, health care professionals, and the public about eye health and vision care through its research and policy briefs.
Calendar of Events
Mark your calendar for Vision Expo East
Join the Vision Council from June 2 to June 5 for their annual vision expo at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. For 35 years, Vision Expo East has brought together eye care with education, fashion, and innovation — so make sure to join other eye care professionals and leaders at this year’s event! And check out their new guidelines to protect attendees’ health and safety at the expo.
Other Events and Resources
July 23 to 25, 2021: IJCAHPO’s Technicians and Nurses Program is being held in conjunction with ASCRS ASOA Annual Meeting
Ongoing: The Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center (part of the National Research & Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University) has launched a campaign called Time To Be Bold to help people with low vision regain their independence by connecting them with free and low-cost services
Ongoing: The American Optometric Association’s Eye Deserve More national campaign brings awareness to the critical role that doctors of optometry play in our eye care and overall health
Resource: Hadley’s Vision Loss and Self-Discovery podcast explores people’s experiences with vision loss
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