Illinois state Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) | senatorbryant.com
Illinois state Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) | senatorbryant.com
Illinois state Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) introduced an initiative on Facebook this week, with the objective of offering eyeglasses to individuals who are in need.
As May is recognized as Healthy Vision Month, the senator's endeavor aligns perfectly with the focus on promoting optimal vision health and raising awareness about the importance of comprehensive eye exams.
"In case you didn’t know, May is Healthy Vision Month," Bryant said in her post. "In honor of that, I am hosting a Recycle for Sight drive from May 8 through May 31. My office is teaming up with the Mt. Carmel, Benton, and Waterloo Lions Clubs to collect prescription eyeglasses for those in need.
"All donations need to be dropped off or mailed to one of my district offices by May 31. After that date, we will then personally deliver those items to the participating Lions Clubs."
The Centers for Disease Control encourage individuals to have a comprehensive eye exam to ensure their vision health is at its best. They note that an exam that includes dilating your eyes is the best way for an eye health professional to tell if there are issues.
The National Eye Institute (NEI) provides valuable information regarding dilated exams. They emphasize that numerous eye diseases can be asymptomatic, meaning individuals may have underlying issues without realizing it. Even if one believes their eyes to be healthy, a dilated eye exam is the only reliable method to accurately detect potential problems. During a dilated exam, eye drops are used to enlarge the pupils, enabling eye doctors to identify any issues that could potentially affect visual acuity.
In 2023, the NEI designated "A Family Focus" as the theme for National Healthy Vision Month. By visiting the NEI website, individuals can access valuable resources to assist with the financial aspects of their eye health needs, acquire information about various eye conditions, receive tips for maintaining optimal eye health, and discover the organizations collaborating to expand the reach of National Healthy Vision Month.
In the June primary election, Bryant ran unopposed in her efforts to serve the residents of District 58, a Journal Star report said.
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