REPORT BY PBA AND TRANSITIONS OPTICAL FOCUSES ATTENTION ON MINORITIES’ EYE HEALTH
Prevent Blindness America (PBA) and Transitions Optical have published a new “Focus on Eye Health and Culturally Diverse Populations” report. The report, which provides an overview on the serious eye health risks faced by African-Americans, Asian-Americans and Hispanics, is intended to serve as both a resource and call to action for government agencies, policymakers, organization leaders and patient advocates to make eye health education among these groups a national priority. It was developed following PBA’s “Focus on Eye Health Summit,” held on June 20, 2012 in Washington, D.C., and complements the 2012 update of the “Vision Problems in the U.S.” report, which was released during the event.
“While the prevalence of eye disease is increasing among all populations, a special focus needs to be placed on educating culturally diverse groups, who are disproportionately affected by many of our nation’s most serious eye health issues,” says Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “Through the multicultural report, we are seeking to bring national attention to these risks, as well as convey an urgent need to ensure that all health messages are culturally appropriate.”
U.S. Census data has indicated that more than 70 percent of Asian-Americans and Hispanics speak a language other than English at home.
“Language and communication barriers can make it even more challenging for at-risk groups to receive adequate eyecare,” says Manuel Solis, multicultural marketing manager, Transitions Optical. “By simply making available bilingual and in-language education, our nation’s leaders can help to alleviate health care disparities.”
The “Focus on Eye Health and Culturally Diverse Populations” report is made possible through an educational grant from the Transitions Healthy Sight for Life Fund. To download the report, visit the News and Resources section of preventblindness.org/visionproblems.
SOLUTIONREACH REFERRAL REWARDS PROGRAM
Solutionreach has launched SR Referral Rewards, a new program which pays top dollar to companies and individuals referring and/or selling its patient engagement service. Solutionreach developed the program so their clients, including ODs and other medical professionals, would have greater incentive to spread the Solutionreach word to their colleagues. “SR Referral Rewards is affiliate marketing with a big return,” says Jim Higgins, CEO of Solutionreach. “We love our raving fans and are excited to introduce a new referral program to further encourage them to tell others about us.”
The new program will pay referring practices $500 for each successful referral and $2,000 dollars for every 10th referral.
—Andrew Karp
