In a recent show the need for yearly eye exams for diabetics to prevent blindness was explored (http://www.womensradio.com/2013/10/diabetes-related-blindness-causes-and-treatments/). This is an excellent show to listen to along with this one. Diabetics need careful and regular exams of the retina to pick up the early signs of diabetic eye disease.
In this show Dr. Gracer (right) interviews Joycelyn Elders, MD, former Surgeon under President Bill Clinton and Brien Holden, MD about maintaining eye health. They discuss the amazing fact that 25 million Americans have simple vision problems that could be corrected by a standard eye exam and glasses. Dr. Holden’s group is developing a simple to use camera that will indicate the presence of a range of eye problems that signal the need for referral and treatment.
After the interview Dr. Gracer reviews some of the common causes of blindness and how an eye exam can be key in prevention.
More about Brien Holden, MD: Dr. Brien Holden has received many national and international awards and honorary doctorates for his work on vision. He has generated over $1 billion in research, education and humanitarian funds over the last 40 years and has been described as “the most influential optometrist of our generation.” He is also a major force behind the Brien Holden Vision Institute and its mission of creating breakthrough products and quality eye care sustainable, accessible and affordable. The institute has worked in 54 countries, developed 429 vision centers and eye care sites and reached some 57 schools, 1652 professional educators and 39,258 eye care personnel through teaching programs.
More about Dr. Joycelyn Elders: Dr. Elders served as Surgeon-General of the US under President Clinton, the first African American to serve in the position. Before this she was Director of the Arkansas Department of Health under then-Governor Bill Clinton. She is currently professor emerita at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where she as professor of pediatric. Her interests include pediatric endocrinology, childhood sexual development, and she speaks frequently on related subjects such as teen pregnancy and sex education.
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