During May Vision Health Month, all Canadians
are encouraged to integrate regular eye exams into their healthcare
routine and visit their optometrist.
As May marks Vision Health Month, the Canadian Association of
Optometrists (CAO) releases a digital national campaign to raise
public awareness about eye health and vision care, encouraging
Canadians to get their eyes checked. Several provincial
associations of optometrists (New Brunswick Association of
Optometrists, Newfoundland & Labrador Association of
Optometrists, Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists, and The
Prince Edward Island Association of Optometrists) and sponsors from
the industry - Alcon, CooperVision, and Sun Pharma - joined and
supported this campaign.
This press release features multimedia. View
the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240501239056/en/
Urgent need for public education about eye health and vision
care
8+ million Canadians are at risk of eye-threatening conditions,
yet 75% of vision loss can be treated or prevented if diagnosed
early. Despite Canadians highly valuing their eyesight and fearing
its loss, there is a prevalent lack of awareness regarding the
necessity of regular, comprehensive eye exams. Many individuals
often overlook the importance of thorough examinations for early
detection.
A 2022 survey1 revealed a telling statistic: 37% of respondents
who had not seen an eye care professional in over two years did so
because they believed there was nothing wrong with their vision.
Additionally, the survey found that men in Canada are less likely
than women to prioritize eye health.
With those statistics in mind, the CAO released a new digital
campaign to raise public awareness about eye health and vision
through a simple yet potent message: “GetEyeWise!”
“Many serious eye conditions do not present obvious symptoms
initially. Waiting for symptoms to appear can expose individuals to
significant risks, particularly within an aging population, those
engaging in increased near-work, and amidst a myopia epidemic among
children. Integrating eye care into the healthcare routines of all
age groups, from toddlers to seniors, is crucial,” says Dr. Martin
Spiro, President of the Canadian Association of Optometrists.
Think of an eye exam as a physical for your eyes…and
more
A comprehensive eye examination is the best tool for the early
detection of eye disease and several systemic diseases. It is based
on the premise that structural change in the eye (often at the
microscopic level) manifests itself well before any functional
changes and vision loss occur.
Optometrists diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and
disorders affecting the visual system (the eye and related
structures).
They also assist in identifying general health conditions like
stroke, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, some
cancers, brain injuries, and neurological conditions that are often
first detected through a comprehensive eye exam. They provide
referrals to specialists and can help manage post-eye-surgery
health. From infants to seniors, optometrists provide care to help
maintain good vision, eye health and quality of life.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists developed
evidence-based guidelines for Recommended Frequency of the
Comprehensive Eye Examination and calls on all Canadians to
“GetEyeWise.”
“If grownups think their eyes are fine…then why are they
always doing things like this?”
The national campaign features children mimicking adults’ faces
in daily situations to encourage everyone to “GetEyeWise” and book
an appointment with an optometrist. It will run throughout May on
Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify in both official
languages.
“Together with the Canadian Association of Optometrists, we are
dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of regular eye
exams and to helping people see brilliantly,” said Vanessa Johari
Hansen, Country Business Unit Head, Vision Care, at Alcon Canada.
“Too often, eye exams are neglected, but through our partnership,
we're determined to enhance vision and improve eye health,
recognizing their vital role in overall well-being."
To find more about the CAO campaign, please visit:
https://opto.ca/geteyewise
About the Canadian Association of Optometrists
The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) is the national
voice of optometry and is dedicated to providing leadership and
support to its 8,300+ members to enhance the delivery of healthy
eyes and clear vision for all Canadians. For more information,
visit www.opto.ca
About Alcon
Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye
care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest
portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives.
Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than
260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with
conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and
refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing
the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with
Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality
eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.ca
About CooperVision
CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (NYSE:COO), is one
of the world’s leading manufacturers of contact lenses. The company
produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week and monthly
soft contact lenses that feature advanced materials and optics, and
premium rigid gas permeable lenses for orthokeratology and scleral
designs. CooperVision has a strong heritage of addressing the
toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia,
childhood myopia, and highly irregular corneas; and offers the most
complete portfolio of spherical, toric and multifocal products
available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused
practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective
to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and
wearers. For more information, visit https://coopervision.ca
About Sun Pharma
Sun Pharma entered the Canadian market in 2015 with the purchase
of Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited, a Top 10 generic company in Canada
since 2005. Sun Pharma is a world leader in branded and generic
drugs and we are now well positioned to be an even larger
contributor to the Canadian healthcare landscape.
With global manufacturing across six continents, we are
investing in Canada by bringing high quality, affordable and
innovative medicines to market. Our global strength in R&D with
an unwavering commitment to quality ensures Sun Pharma will offer a
wide range of affordable medicines for Canadians.
Taro Pharmaceuticals is the exclusive distributor of our
specialty and generic products in Canada.
We feel the strength of our global Sun Pharma capabilities
together with Taro Pharmaceutical’s 30-year commitment to Canadian
manufacturing and distribution creates a unique pharmaceutical
partner for our Canadian customers. It is our continued goal to
provide our customers and partners with high quality products and
exceptional customer service.
We look forward to many more years of providing Canadians with
high quality and affordable medicines. To learn more, visit:
https://sunpharma.com/canada-branded-products/
______________________________ 1 Online survey of 2003 Canadians
aged 18+ was completed between June 10 and June 21, 2022, using
Leger’s online panel conducted on behalf of the Canadian
Ophthalmological Society and the Canadian Association of
Optometrists.
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240501239056/en/
For media inquiries, please contact: Julie Vanghelder, Director,
Communications & Marketing, jvanghelder@opto.ca