HR 9037

1	House Resolution
2	A resolution observing March 6, 2008, as World Glaucoma
3	Day.
4
5	WHEREAS, glaucoma is the second leading global cause of
6	blindness, affecting approximately 3 million Americans and 65
7	million people worldwide, and
8	WHEREAS, approximately 120,000 Americans have gone blind
9	from glaucoma, accounting for 9 percent to 12 percent of all
10	cases of blindness in the United States, and
11	WHEREAS, blindness ranks third as a major health fear among
12	Americans according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, and
13	WHEREAS, certain population groups, including African
14	Americans, Hispanics, senior citizens, persons with diabetes,
15	and persons with a family history of glaucoma, are at the
16	greatest risk of developing glaucoma, and
17	WHEREAS, while there is no cure for glaucoma, early
18	detection through routine eye examinations and aggressive
19	treatment upon diagnosis present the best opportunity to
20	preserve sight, and
21	WHEREAS, the United States is a leader in innovation
22	related to eye care and the treatment of conditions like
23	glaucoma, and
24	WHEREAS, World Glaucoma Day is a global initiative aimed at
25	raising the awareness of glaucoma and will be inaugurated on
26	March 6, 2008, NOW, THEREFORE,
27
28	Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
29	Florida:
30
31	That the Florida House of Representatives observes March 6,
32	2008, as World Glaucoma Day and respectfully recognizes the
33	patient groups, medical professionals, governments, and
34	companies that have come together to raise awareness of glaucoma
35	and promote early detection and treatment of the disease.

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.