Sample News Release

Contact: (YOUR SPOKESPERSON)
Organization: (YOUR ORGANIZATION)
Telephone: (XXX-XXX-XXXX)
E-mail: (YOUR E-MAIL)

(Release for May 2005)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[YOUR ORGANIZATION] Working To Raise Awareness of Vision Rehabilitation Services in [YOUR CITY]

May 2005 - Vision loss is becoming a major public health concern in the United States. More than 2 million Americans have low vision, a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery. Low vision is most prevalent among older Americans. Certain racial and ethnic groups, including Hispanics/Latinos and African Americans, are also at an increased risk for low vision. People experiencing vision loss may have difficulty recognizing the faces of friends and relatives; performing everyday tasks such as reading, cooking, or sewing; picking out matching clothes; and reading street signs, even with regular glasses or contact lenses.

"More than [INCLUDE STATISTICS FOR YOUR STATE/CITY IF AVAILABLE] people in [CITY/STATE] have age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or cataract, which are the leading causes of vision loss in people over the age of 65," said [SPOKESPERSON]. "The consequences of vision loss may cause people to become confused, fearful, anxious, and depressed. Most people are not aware that numerous vision rehabilitation services are available to help them cope with their vision loss."

May is Healthy Vision Month and [ORGANIZATION] is working with the National Eye Institute and other organizations across the country to educate the public about vision rehabilitation. While vision rehabilitation cannot restore lost sight, it can equip people with skills and strategies that will enable them to maintain an independent lifestyle. Vision rehabilitation helps people with visual impairments maximize the use of remaining vision, travel safely, take care of their home, meet career objectives, and enjoy leisure activities.

Patients with low vision should be encouraged to talk to their eye care professionals to learn about how they can make the most of their remaining vision. People at risk for low vision should have regular dilated eye exams, as early detection may prevent further vision loss.

[YOUR ORGANIZATION'S BOILERPLATE INFORMATION]