Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
NEW ORLEANS, La. (July 9, 2012) -- Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. will sponsor programs for free vision evaluations and patient education to attendees of the National Urban League (NUL) conference at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, July 25-28. The conference is a national forum that helps create solutions to the challenges confronting African Americans and urban communities.
Vision problems can disproportionately affect certain ethnic groups. For example, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in African-Americans and half of those with glaucoma don't even know they have it, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation. “This is cause for concern because not only are these individuals at greater risk for certain eye conditions and diseases, but research also shows that many are not receiving proper diagnosis and treatment,” says Lee Ball, O.D., Associate Director, Professional Affairs, VISTAKON® Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
According to a 2006 survey1 of 676 African Americans, almost all (92 percent) surveyed, agreed that maintaining proper vision is an important priority for them, but less than half (47 percent) said they had an eye exam within the past year, while a quarter (24 percent) had not had an eye exam in more than two years. Nearly one-third (30 percent) said their child has never seen an eye care professional. “Seeing an eye care professional regularly may not only assess vision and the need for updated prescriptions, it may also help identify and lead to a diagnosis of other health concerns such as hypertension and diabetes,” adds Dr. Ball.
The on-site evaluations, lead by local optometrists, will consist of several stations checking for vision, glaucoma and irregularities that may exist in the retina. Following the evaluation, a doctor will review the results with each individual and provide educational materials on different eye conditions and the importance of maintaining good vision health. “These evaluations are very basic and should not take the place of a regular comprehensive eye exam,” says Giovanna Olivares, O.D., Director, Professional Education, VISTAKON® Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. “Even if you pass the evaluation, you should still get an annual exam with your personal eye care practitioner. Your practitioner will have the ability to do more in depth testing that can identity other potential factors that could affect your vision health.”
Those who may have additional medical or optometry needs uncovered in the evaluations, will have the opportunity for further assistance by Daughters of Charity Health Centers, a New Orleans organization that addresses health disparities by offering primary and preventative health services to everyone — with special attention to the uninsured and underinsured. “Many patients who suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension also suffer from degeneration of the eyes,” says Michael Griffin, Daughters of Charity Health Centers President and CEO. “We are always excited about providing health care services that allow members of the community -- from infants to seniors -- the opportunity to live healthy lives.”
For more information on the National Urban League, go to http://nul.org.
About Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. is the world’s leading innovator and manufacturer of disposable contact lenses. Anchored by its mission to bring healthy vision to everyone, everywhere, every day, the Company has set industry standards through groundbreaking technology and revolutionary products. Its best-selling ACUVUE® Brand launched as the world’s first disposable soft contact lens in 1987 and has since introduced numerous first-to-market product formulations. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care has some 3,400 employees at offices and state-of-the-art research and manufacturing facilities throughout the world where it manufactures 2 billion contact lenses a year. The Company provides professional instruction through THE VISION CARE INSTITUTE® LLC, a Johnson & Johnson Company, a renowned program taught in 27 languages in 40 markets worldwide. For more information, please visit www.jnjvisioncare.com.
About Daughters of Charity Health Centers
The Daughters of Charity have provided access to high-quality compassionate health care for greater New Orleans residents for more than 175 years. The organization’s four health care centers are conveniently located in Bywater, Carrollton and Metairie, with a temporary health care center in eastern New Orleans. Patients can receive care for chronic illnesses such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. Optometry, dental, behavioral/mental health, prenatal care, pediatric care, and pharmacy services are also available. The organization’s eye care offerings include pediatric and primary eye care and comprehensive vision and eye health exams. There is also an opportunity to get discounted eye glasses for the entire family, contact lenses and screenings for vision problems including farsightedness, nearsightedness and eye disease that may cause vision loss or blindness.
Lorna Love
VISTAKON® Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
(904) 443-3682
[email protected]
Michelle Vonkurzbach
VISTAKON® Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
(904) 710-8665
[email protected]