LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 6-12, 2011, as World Glaucoma Week in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, In an effort to combat one of the main causes of blindness
around the globe, the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma
Patient Organization have set March 6-12, 2011, as World Glaucoma Week,
a week to be marked by awareness and educational events organized by eye
care institutions and local patient support groups worldwide; and
WHEREAS, Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the
United States; it is the leading cause for African-Americans and strikes
residents of developing countries at alarming rates; and
WHEREAS, Known as "the sneak thief of sight," glaucoma is a group of
eye diseases characterized by gradual loss of vision; if left untreated
glaucoma can result in permanent vision loss and may lead to blindness;
and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that 4.5 million people around the world are
blind due to glaucoma and that this number will more than double by
2020; and
WHEREAS, Early detection is the key to treating and halting the
effects of glaucoma yet current worldwide estimates reveal that more
than half of glaucoma sufferers do not even realize they have the
disease; and
WHEREAS, Simple detection measures, including regular eye examina-
tions, can help prevent the serious complications which can arise from
untreated glaucoma; and
WHEREAS, Because glaucoma strikes so silently and gradually, it is
crucial to educate people about the value of early detection; and
WHEREAS, Organized by Co-Founder Robert Ritch, M.D., Professor of
Clinical Ophthalmology at New York Medical College and Shelley and Stev-
en Einhorn Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmology, and Chief of Glaucoma
Services at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, who is also the founder
of the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Associ-
ation, the observance of World Glaucoma Week is intended to increase
global awareness through local educational and public awareness events;
newspaper, radio and television coverage; public glaucoma screenings and
open door days at glaucoma clinics and departments of ophthalmology; and
WHEREAS, The encouragement of such events throughout the year coupled
with the collective strength of patient support groups, medical profes-
sionals, and glaucoma institutions across New York State and around the
world can help countless individuals avoid the preventable vision loss
which results from this all too prevalent disease; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations, in
keeping with the great pride it takes in recognizing official weeks
established to increase awareness of serious illnesses which affect the
lives of many New Yorkers, to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 6-12, 2011, as World Glaucoma Week in New York State; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York; Dr. Robert Ritch of The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary; the World
Glaucoma Association; and the World Glaucoma Patient Association.