Introduced Version



SENATE RESOLUTION No. ___



DIGEST OF INTRODUCED RESOLUTION


     A SENATE RESOLUTION recognizing Glaucoma Awareness Week, March 6-12, 2011.


MILLER


     , read first time and referred to Committee on





Introduced

First Regular Session 117th General Assembly (2011)


SENATE RESOLUTION


     MADAM PRESIDENT:

    I offer the following resolution and move its adoption:

    A SENATE RESOLUTION recognizing Glaucoma Awareness Week, March 6-12, 2011.

    Whereas, In an effort to combat one of the main causes of blindness around the globe, the Indiana Academy of Ophthalmology, the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute at the IU School of Medicine, the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Organization have set March 6-12, 2011, as World Glaucoma Week, a week to be marked by awareness and educational events organized by eye care institutions and local patient support group worldwide;


    Whereas, Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States; it is the leading cause of blindness African-Americans and strikes residents of developing countries at alarming rates;

    Whereas, Known as "the sneak thief of sight", glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by gradual loss of vision. If left untreated, glaucoma can result in permanent vision loss and may lead to blindness;


    Whereas, It is estimated that 4.5 million people around the world are blind due to glaucoma and that this number will more than double by 2020;

    Whereas, Early detection is the key to treating and halting the effects of glaucoma, yet current worldwide estimates reveal that more than half of glaucoma sufferers do not even realize they have the disease;

    Whereas, Simple detection measures, including regular eye examinations, can help prevent the serious complications which can arise from untreated glaucoma;

    Whereas, Because glaucoma strikes so silently and gradually, it is crucial to educate people about the value of early detection;

    Whereas, The observance of World Glaucoma Week is intended to increase global awareness through local education and public awareness events; newspaper, radio, and television coverage; public glaucoma screening; and open door days at other clinics; and

    Whereas, The encouragement of such events throughout the year, coupled with the collective strength of patient support groups and medical professionals across Indiana and around the world, can help countless individuals avoid the preventable vision loss which results from this all too prevalent disease: Therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate of the

General Assembly of the State of Indiana:


    SECTION 1. That the Indiana Senate recognizes March 6-12, 2011 as World Glaucoma Week.
    SECTION 2. The Secretary of the Senate is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to Dr. Louis B. Cantor, department chair at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute at the IU School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology.