Sample Proclamation

You can provide your Governor or mayor with this proclamation as a way to encourage him or her to proclaim May 2005 as Healthy Vision Month in your State or city.

WHEREAS: Vision is an essential part of everyday life, affecting how we learn, communicate, work, play, and interact with the world. However, millions of Americans lose some or all of their vision each year as a result of eye diseases and health conditions such as macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, or diabetes.

WHEREAS: More than 2 million Americans have low vision, a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery.

WHEREAS: Vision loss is most common among people over the age of 65, one of the fastest growing populations in the United States.

WHEREAS: Numerous rehabilitation services and adaptive devices are available to help people with low vision maximize the use of remaining vision, travel safely, take care of their home, meet career objectives, and enjoy leisure activities.

WHEREAS: This [ACTIVITY/EVENT] is designed to educate people with low vision about how they can maintain their independence at home, school, work, and in the community.

I [NAME], [TITLE] of the [CITY or STATE] do hereby proclaim [DAY/WEEK/MONTH] as Healthy Vision [DAY/WEEK/MONTH]. I urge all residents of [CITY or STATE] with low vision and everyone who cares for them to learn how rehabilitation services and adaptive devices can help people with vision loss make the most of their remaining sight.

Signature
[MAYOR or GOVERNOR]