Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation Offers Free Eye Screenings

August 24, 2006

Mobile Eye Testing Station Comes to Chicago Family Health Center Located in Chicago

Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation is partnering with Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. to offer free eye screenings on Friday, September 1. The screenings for glaucoma and vision will take place from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., at the Chicago Family Health Center, 9119 South Exchange Avenue. The Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation works with medical professionals and Members of Congress to promote prevention, detection and treatment of glaucoma.

“I believe that all Americans are entitled to health care of equal, high quality. As a Member of Congress, I have worked diligently to achieve that goal. I am proud to be a partner in this worthwhile initiative,” Congressman Jackson stated.

“We’re extremely pleased that Representative Jackson is taking an active role in highlighting the need to increase glaucoma screenings and eye care education. By partnering with Jackson, we hope to draw attention to the importance of regular eye screenings and the difference it can make in a person’s life,” said Bud Grant, President of the Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation. “Through grants from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we are able to keep our mobile screening unit on the road and provide screenings to local communities across the country. We look forward to continuing and expanding the screening program in Congressman Jackson’s district.”

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to blindness. The most common form of glaucoma affects approximately 3,000,000 Americans. Glaucoma has no readily apparent symptoms and half of all affected Americans do not realize that they have glaucoma until the disease begins to gradually steal their sight. People over the age of 60 are six times more likely to develop glaucoma. African Americans are five to seven times more likely to develop the disease, and Hispanics are also at a significantly higher risk. However, anyone is susceptible to the disease and family history, diabetes and/or high blood pressure are contributing risk factors.

With five screening units currently on the road, Members of Congress can arrange to have free vision screenings in their home districts. The Foundation conducts free screenings for churches, community organizations and at health fairs, town hall meetings, community centers, residential senior citizen centers and various annual events.

“We’ve found that by partnering with a Member of Congress we dramatically increase awareness among their constituents about the need to get tested for glaucoma and other eye diseases,” said Grant. “Even if people aren’t able to get to the Chicago Family Health Center, we hope that hearing about the event will remind them to see their eye care professional for tests on a regular basis.”

The Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, Inc., is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) entity co-founded with the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus. The Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation is dedicated to supporting the activities of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus (CGC). While the CGC is actively helping all Americans fight the scourge of glaucoma, one of the single most common causes of irreversible blindness, and educating Americans about this disease, the Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation sets up and runs glaucoma screenings for Members of Congress in their home districts at no cost to the constituents. The Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation Website is: www.glaucomacongress.org.

Chicago Family Health Center is a community-based, non-profit health center that provides comprehensive, accessible primary healthcare to the residents of South Chicago, Roseland and surrounding communities. In 2005, CFHC served over 17,000 patients regardless of their ability to pay.

For more information on the Health Fair, call the Clinic at (773) 768-5000 extension 1144.