**TUESDAY**

Department of Human Services to Host Free Eye Screening in Burlington County

January Also Marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month

(WESTAMPTON, NJ) - The New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, along with the Burlington County Health Department, will host a free eye screening in Westampton on Tuesday, January 22.

The Project BEST (Better Eye-Health Services and Treatment) eye screening is open to the community from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Burlington County Health Department at 15 Pioneer Boulevard. The screening includes an eye chart test for vision, as well as testing for glaucoma.

It comes as January marks National Glaucoma Awareness Month. The disease, which damages the eye’s optic nerve due to fluid buildup, is the leading cause of irreversible blindness over the age of 60. African Americans and Hispanics are at increased risk of developing glaucoma.  According to researchers, half of all people who have glaucoma are unaware they have the disease as the most-common form has no symptoms.

“Early detection is essential in reducing the risk of glaucoma and other causes of blindness and severe vision loss,” said Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson. “Our Project BEST screenings are an important tool in providing access to early detection to all New Jerseyans.”

“Research shows that half of all blindness or severe vision loss can be prevented. Our free vision screenings are an easy and key preventive tool to taking control of your eye health,” said Acting Director of the Commission of the Blind and Visually Impaired Dr. Bernice Davis. “We encourage residents to come by and get screened, as well as learn more about all our services.”

Project BEST is part of an ongoing effort by the Commission to reduce the incidence of blindness. The program provides eye health education and safety by offering no-cost vision and eye screenings for adults and children at 30 locations throughout the state, as well as several off-site and mobile screenings.

The Commission especially works to help low-income individuals, older adults, individuals with diabetes, migrant workers and individuals with special needs. Those individuals identified as needing additional care or services are referred to local resources or for Commission services, or both.

The Commission also offers education, vocational rehabilitation and independent living assistance to help people adjust to vision loss and become self-sufficient.

For additional information, or to schedule a free eye screening in a community, contact the Commission of the Blind and Visually Impaired by calling toll free at (877) 685-8878 or email AskCBVI@dhs.state.nj.us.

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