By Forum Staff
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) recently hosted an interactive heathy vision experience at the Brewery Keenan Heiser American Legion Post 1815 in Glendale. The event was held to commemorate May as Healthy Vision Month and encourage constituents to get educated on how to better care for their eyesight.
Claudia Costabile, public affairs specialist with the National Eye Institute, travelled all the way from Maryland to be at the event and distributed virtual reality viewers, which attendees were allowed to keep. They downloaded the free app on their phone and then used the viewing boxes to experience common eye diseases in a 360-degree manner. Conditions included age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy which could be viewed at different locations such as a bus stop at night, the grocery store, the office and inside a car.
Dr. Dylan Freeman, an ophthalmologist from Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, spoke about eye care and treatment – everything from dry eyes to glaucoma. He explained the conditions in a simple manner working from the front of the eye to the back of the eye and using a diagram chart and a 3-D eye model. The attendees were also given 3-D models to take apart and explore.
Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo
Dr. Dylan Freeman, an ophthalmologist from Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, spoke about eye care and treatment.
The number of people with visual impairment or blindness in the United States is anticipated to double to over 8 million by 2050. Additionally, an estimated 16.4 million Americans are expected to have trouble seeing due to myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) that can be addressed with glasses, contacts, or surgery, according to the National Eye Institute.
“Investing in your vision today ensures a brighter tomorrow,” Addabbo said. “I encourage everyone to use the information they have learned at this event and take proactive steps towards preserving your eyesight. Your eyes are invaluable, and caring for them is a responsibility we owe to ourselves and our future generations.”
Representatives from Jamaica Hospital also distributed complimentary eye drops and eyeglass repair kits.
Addabbo thanked the National Eye Institute and Jamaica Hospital for their participation, and American Legion Post 1815 for the use of their space and the Glendale Property Owners for their support, allowing the event to take place as part of their monthly meeting.
