This initiative is from the 28th chapter of the Healthy People 2010 goals of the Federal Department of Health and Human Services. This is the first decade that vision care has been included, and has far-reaching implications for optometry and its involvement in helping shape public policy on vision care issues.
Kevin Alexander, O.D., Ph.D., AOA Trustee, called on all the states to help implement the provisions in the new American Optometric Association (AOA) program, Healthy Eyes / Healthy People 2010.
There are 10 goals under Healthy People 2010 in chapter 28 covering:
Our state coordinator, Edward Stein, O.D., along with the Michigan Optometric Association (MOA) board, are working diligently to assign committees to various tasks to implement these goals. We are also developing contacts with state government officials and creating coalitions to help implement these developing programs.
For more information, check the AOA web site at http://www.healthypeople.gov. If you would like to volunteer your expertise in public health issues, contact the MOA at mioptoassn@aol.com.
Sarah Hinkley is the current MOA chair for the Healthy People – Healthy Eyes Committee.
She can be contacted via Ferris State University:
Michigan College of Optometry
P.O. Box 1065
Big Rapids, MI 49307
419-367-5601