May Is Healthy Vision Month

Vision is one of our most valuable senses. It is important to have your eyes examined by an eye care professional regularly. May is Healthy Vision Month. Don't wait until it's too late. Make an appointment to ensure your eyes are healthy. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the following guidelines:

• At age 40: have a baseline examination for eye diseases
• 20 to 40: have an eye exam every 5 to 10 years
• Over age 40: have an eye exam every 2 to 4 years
• Over age 65: have an eye exam every 1 to 2 years
• Diabetics should have an eye exam every year

Read more about Healthy Vision Month from the National Eye Institute/National Institutes of Health at http://www.nei.nih.gov/hvm/

IEF PRESIDENT HONORED FOR HER WORK IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BLINDNESS AND VISUAL DISABILITY

International Eye Foundation’s President

Victoria M. Sheffield

receives the

Prince Abdulaziz Ahmad Al Saud

International Prevention of Blindness Award

The prestigious Prevention of Blindness Award recognizes an outstanding individual who has made a substantial contribution to the Global fight against blindness and visual disability and helped to further MEACO's mission to unite and strengthen the relationship of ophthalmologists and ophthalmic societies in the Middle East and Africa.

The award was presented on October 17, 2010 at the opening session of the American Academy of Ophthalmogy (AAO) and the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO) joint meeting in Chicago.

Ms. Sheffield is seen receiving the award from the President of MEACO for whom the award is named - His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Ahmad Al-Saud of the Saudi Royal Family

Over a period of 38 years, Ms. Sheffield has worked across all regions of the world developing and executing eye care programs, providing training and conducting research. She is a leader in the sustainability approach to quality eye care in developing countries. A member of the AAO's Global Outreach Committee, Ms. Sheffield is the author of numerous scientific articles and presentations. She holds leadership positions in the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and the rank of Commander in The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem. Ms. Sheffield has lived in five countries on four continents, has traveled to 98 countries and has professional experience in 41 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

The award recognizes Victoria’s significant contribution to the prevention of blindness and the restoration of sight in the developing world especially in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and Africa.