[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7874--MAR. 4, 2005
Proclamation 7874 of March 4, 2005
Save Your Vision Week, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Eye disease causes suffering, loss of productivity, and diminished
quality of life for millions of Americans. During Save Your Vision Week,
we raise awareness of eye disease and encourage all our citizens to take
action to safeguard their eyesight.
As people age, they can develop conditions that affect eyesight,
including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disorders, dry eye, and low
vision. Through regular eye exams, many of these problems can be
detected and treated early, reducing the risk of vision loss. The
National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), suggests five steps for all Americans to take to protect their
eyesight: regular physical exams; a complete eye exam every 1 to 2
years; a check of family history; immediate attention if you notice any
loss of eyesight, eye pain, or other eye problems; and use of sunglasses
and a hat to protect eyes from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays.

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119 STAT. 3725

My Administration is committed to helping Americans lead better,
healthier lives. We have doubled funding for the NIH, helping the United
States to stay on the leading edge of medical research and technological
change. Through education, prevention, early detection, and further
research into effective treatments for eye disease, we can bring hope
and comfort to our citizens and help more Americans keep the precious
gift of sight.
The Congress, by joint resolution approved December 30, 1963, as amended
(77 Stat. 629; 36 U.S.C. 138), has authorized and requested the
President to proclaim the first week in March of each year as ``Save
Your Vision Week.'';
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim March 6 through March 12, 2005, as Save Your
Vision Week. I encourage eye care professionals, teachers, the media,
and 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of
March, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH