FY-Eye: February 2021

FY-Eye: February 2021

For over 30 years, Prevent Blindness Wisconsin has partnered with school and public health nurses across Wisconsin. Through our partnership and collaboration, hundreds of thousands of children receive sight-saving vision screenings, vision health education, and assistance navigating the vision care system. Together, we set children on a path for lifelong healthy vision.

During the 2020-2021 school year, school nurses were able to adapt their vision health programs to comply with increased COVID-19 safety measures. School nurses provided vision health education to families, referrals to vision care, and information about safe screen time. Many nurses also attended our virtual Children’s Vision Screening Certification course to ensure their skills are up to date when they can provide vision screenings again. One nurse commented, “I wanted to thank you for the presentation on Children’s Vision Screening Certification. You did an excellent job and material was well presented. I can say I took away a lot of information that will be very useful.” 

To thank Wisconsin School Nurses, Prevent Blindness Wisconsin awarded them the 2020 Community Partner Award at our 40^th Annual Celebrity Waiters Dinner.  Held virtually this year, this annual fall event was hosted by Prevent Blindness Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Admirals. School Nursing and Health Service Consultant Louise Wilson and WASN Board Member Valerie Hon accepted this award, recognizing and honoring both the work that school nurses do and their partnership with Prevent Blindness Wisconsin. Click here to watch their speeches. 

Prevent Blindness Wisconsin is grateful to partner with over 400 school districts and private school nurses throughout Wisconsin. Our collaborative efforts help ensure children are ready to see, to learn, and to play!

Upcoming Vision Screener Trainings 

Adult Vision Screener Training – Web Based
March 3, 2021
1:00-3:30 PM
REGISTER HERE

Children’s Vision Screener Training – Web Based
March 23, 2021
8:00-10:30 AM
REGISTER HERE

Lifespan Vision Health Education Presentations

Join PBW for an educational webinar about vision health across the lifespan.  Information includes: when certain vision problems occur, vision safety tips for sports, safe cosmetic use, recommendations for screen-time, and healthy lifestyle habits for healthy vision. All are welcome! Register below:

March 8, 2021 at 1 pm
March 15, 2021 at 1 pm
March 22, 2021 at 1 pm
March 29, 2021 at 1 pm

Save The Date – Swing for Sight!

Prevent Blindness Wisconsin’s Swing for Sight Golf Event date and location will be coming soon! Watch our upcoming FY-EYE’s for more information. If you have any questions about the event or sponsorship information, please contact Tami at [email protected] or 414-765-0505 ext. 101. 

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)/Low Vision Awareness Month!

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a chronic condition that affects adult central vision over time. AMD affects the macula of the eye (located on the retina). The macula is responsible for helping our central vision see objects and pick-up fine details. Our central vision helps us participate in activities that require use of our fine motor skills (reading, writing, knitting, painting our nails, writing a check etc.) There are two types of AMD:

Dry AMD: The most common form, Dry AMD occurs when small protein deposits (drusen) build up on the macula over time. Drusen can disrupt central vision and can affect how the macula functions and picks up light rays.

Wet AMD: More rare and much more severe, Wet AMD can result from Dry AMD. About 10% of people with Dry AMD will progress to Wet AMD. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath and near the macula of the eye. These abnormal blood vessels have a limited ability to carry nutrients throughout the eye, making them more prone to becoming weak and breaking open. This results in leaks and flooding into the central vision. 

Unfortunately, many adults are unaware of the presence of AMD until permanent vision loss occurs. Common

sign/symptoms of AMD include:

• Central vision shadows/blind spots 
• Straight lines appear wavy
• Trouble discerning colors
• Low vision

Low Vision: Low vision is a permanent reduction in visual acuity. Low vision affects daily activities of living and cannot be corrected with a pair of glasses/contact lenses. If you or someone you know has low vision, please contact Courtney at [email protected] for additional resources.

Risk Factors for AMD:
Aging: Aging is a beautiful process; however, aging can take quite a toll on adult vision health over time. As we age, the risk for eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration steadily increases. Vision concerns in older adults also put them at an increased risk for falls both inside and outside their homes, dramatically affecting their independence and overall quality of life. To prevent or to slow the progression of vision loss, it is recommended adults 60 years and older receive a dilated eye exam annually.  

Family History: Genetics plays an important role in permanent eye conditions and diseases in adults. AMD is highly linked to genetics and many who have blood relatives with AMD are considered ‘at-risk’ for the disease. If family history of AMD is present, it is recommended you let your eye doctor know. This may determine how often you are seen and help determine the procedures and processes incorporated into your eye exam.  

To learn more about AMD, please visit Bausch + Lomb’s Sight Matters Facebook Page. Throughout the month of February, for every like or share on any post with the heading Bausch + Lomb: 1 Like = $1 Donation, a donation will be made to Prevent Blindness for up to $50,000. Let’s spread this good word and awareness on AMD together!

Internship Opportunities

To learn more about internship at Prevent Blindness Wisconsin, please visit our website.

 

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Our Mission: Founded in 1958, Prevent Blindness Wisconsin improves the lives of children, adults and families through early detection of eye conditions to prevent blindness and preserve sight. On-going vision screening activities and state-wide public health education lead to a lifetime of healthy vision.

Our Vision: Our vision is for each Wisconsin resident to have healthy vision at every stage of life.

 

wisconsin.preventblindness.org

[email protected]