New Prevent Blindness campaign introduces “Iris and Cornelius” to demonstrate best practices, address perceptions related to maintaining healthy vision across all age groups
Prevent Blindness is rolling out the new “Best Eyes for Life” multi-media educational campaign featuring “Iris and Cornelius.” Together, these animated besties engage in everyday eye-related situations to raise awareness and prioritize eye health and safety.
The campaign is introduced as a recent Prevent Blindness consumer survey revealed that nearly 75 percent of respondents believe they would have symptoms if something was wrong with their vision or eye health. In fact, many serious eye diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy often have no symptoms in their early stages.
The initial phase of the campaign focuses on three key areas critical to preventing blindness and preserving sight: the role of nutrition in eye health, the need for proper eye protection in sports, home and work, and the important role of healthy vision for a child’s success in the classroom. Campaign content will be distributed across multi-media platforms, including streaming services and digital channels.
“With this new initiative, we’re encouraging everyone to think of their eyes as their ‘besties’ and learn the simple steps we can take to care for them,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “Our ‘Best Eyes for Life’ campaign delivers positive, empowering messages about the importance of proactively caring for our eyes today so we can live our best lives tomorrow.”
The Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 7 million Americans are living with vision loss or blindness. Many cases of significant vision impairment can be prevented or delayed with the appropriate vision screenings and timely interventions. In addition, 90 percent of eye injuries – including those occurring at work, at home, or during sports – are preventable.
“Untreated childhood conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and myopia can impede learning, and eye diseases such as cataract, age-related macular degeneration, diabetes-related eye disease and glaucoma can lead to significant vision loss later in life,” said R.V. Paul Chan, MD, MSc, FACS, member, Prevent Blindness Board of Directors and professor and chair of ophthalmology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, director of the Pediatric Retina and Retinopathy of Prematurity Service at UI Health. “It is important that every individual understands the importance of how eye and vision care today saves sight for tomorrow.”
Prevent Blindness Vice President, Marketing, Sarah R. Hecker explained, “A focal point of the ‘Best Eyes for Life’ campaign is to help people feel connected to their eye health and understand how it relates to overall health and mental well-being, while also inviting individuals and families to explore the trusted resources and support Prevent Blindness offers to help them along the way.”
For more information on the Prevent Blindness Best Eyes for Life program, please visit PreventBlindness.org/BestEyes.
