January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, more than four million Americans have glaucoma, an eye disease that damages the optic nerve and impairs vision. Approximately 120,000 become blind as a result of the disease, accounting for 9% to 12% of all cases of blindness in the United States.

In a study conducted by Prevent Blindness America, it was uncovered that only 20% of those surveyed knew that glaucoma was related to elevated pressure in the eye or that it could lead to blindness. 50% had heard of glaucoma but were unsure of what it was, and 30% had never heard of the disease.

Half of the people affected by glaucoma don’t know they have it, and there are certain groups that are at higher risk, namely older individuals and the African American population. The best way to protect from glaucoma is regular comprehensive eye examinations. Though there are treatments for the disease, there is no known cure at this time.

Take this opportunity to champion the awareness of glaucoma in the month of January.

Businesses to Target:

• Eye care centers
• Community centers
• Hospitals, clinics and pharmacies
• Private optometrists
• Care giving agencies and nursing homes
• Retirement communities, independent living and assisted living facilities

Ad/Promotion Ideas:

• Design a signature ad of businesses that provide eye care services and products.
• Run a year-long campaign featuring a different eye health topic each month, such as checkups, vision corrections, eye care etc.
• Create a list of businesses that offer low-cost eye screenings.
• Run an “Ask the Eye Care Expert” series and list frequently asked questions or encourage readers to submit questions.
• Sell advertising to local eye care businesses around an article on glaucoma, including information on how often to have your eyes checked and the statistics on the disease.