Prevention Services

DO YOU WANT TO HELP PREVENT BLINDNESS AND UNNECESSARY VISION LOSS?

SCHEDULE FREE EYE SCREENINGS
FOR YOUR COMMUNITY
BY CONTACTING

THE COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED (CBVI)
Call: (973) 648-7400 / Toll Free (877) 685-8878

“PROJECT PREVENTION: Reducing the Incidence of Blindness in NJ”

National Researchers say: “50% of all cases of blindness or severe vision loss could have been prevented by early detection of disorders and the appropriate follow-up care.”

The NJ Department of Human Services, Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired believes that every resident of NJ has the right of access to services that will prevent or limit the impact of vision loss. We are very proud that, for over 30 years, CBVI has provided services in the areas of eye health and eye safety by offering free vision screenings for adults and children with a concerted effort to provide these services to historically underserved sectors of the population (low income, elderly, minorities and individuals with special needs).

CBVI’s Prevention of Blindness Program works to save sight and restore vision whenever it is medically possible. Services include: mobile eye examination unit; vision screening for preschool and school-age children; on-site screening at institutions and in communities; special diabetic outreach program; and other specialized eye screening programs which target historically underserved populations (i.e. minorities, the elderly, migrant farm workers, etc.)

Project Prevention Services:

*Preschool Screening *Adult Vision Screening *Mobile Unit Screening
*Diabetic Eye Screening *Migrant Screening

Studies show that 50 percent of all blindness and vision loss could have been prevented with proper eye care. The Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) provides a wide range of services intended to save sight and restore vision whenever it is medically possible. These include vision screenings at schools and other institutions, a diabetic outreach program, eye-health nursing services and use of a mobile eye examination unit to help reach under-served groups such as special needs children and adults, migrant farm workers and the elderly.

In 2004, CBVI provided free eye health services to more than 45,000 individuals. Approximately ten percent of the people screened had an undetected eye condition and were referred for follow-up care.

Other CBVI Services include:
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services for individuals to become employable and obtain employment;
• Education Services for students to help them succeed in their local public school program;
• Rehabilitation Teaching for individuals to manage their household and perform task of daily living with impaired vision;
• Orientation and Mobility Instruction to assist individuals in traveling independently;
• Referral to community resources for housing, financial assistance, and other supportive services;
• Eye Health Services and related Diabetic Self-Care instruction for insulin injections, etc.; and
• Referrals to services that can help individuals adjust socially and emotionally to vision loss.

Researchers have found that over 33% of people with Diabetes don't know that they have it. Through eye screening the screener may pick up clues for detection of this potentially life-threatening disease. By dilating the pupil, the screener can see inside the eye using an ophthalmoscope, which lights and magnifies the blood vessels in the eyes. Changes to these blood vessels can signify various stages of diabetic retinopathy. Left untreated, it can cause blindness. For those suffering from Diabetes without knowing it, the detection and treatment of this disease can mean relief on many levels.

Other eye diseases, like Glaucoma, may cause vision damage and eventually blindness without the patient ever experiencing any symptoms.

Project Prevention also provides follow-up services to individuals who need further eye evaluations or eye care services, and who have no health insurance, and do not qualify for other state programs. With this service, we have been able to prevent permanent vision loss in many cases and improve the quality of life in others.

For more information about preventing vision loss, call Sunil Parikh at 973-648-7400 or email at Sunil.Parikh@dhs.state.nj.usor fax at (973) 648-4799.