National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP)

NEHEP Overview

Eye disease, a major public health problem in the United States, causes significant suffering, disability, loss of productivity, and diminished quality of life for millions of people.

The National Eye Institute (NEI), one of the Federal government's National Institutes of Health, is addressing this public health problem through programs of biomedical research, disease prevention, and health promotion. In 1991, NEI established the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP), which it coordinates in partnership with a variety of public and private organizations that conduct eye health education programs. The focus of the NEHEP is on public and professional education programs that encourage early detection and timely treatment of glaucoma and diabetic eye disease and the appropriate treatment for low vision.

It is estimated that almost three million Americans have glaucoma, half of whom are unaware that they have the disease. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in everyone over age 60 and Blacks over age 40. Although glaucoma can often be controlled if it is diagnosed early, in many people the disease goes untreated, leading to visual impairment or blindness. The Glaucoma Public Education Program consists of a Glaucoma Community Education Kit that community agencies can use to conduct glaucoma awareness activities and comprehensive public service campaigns emphasizing early detection.

Diabetic eye disease is a term for the visual complications that result from diabetes. These include cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness in adults. Many people who could benefit from laser treatment for their disease do not receive it, highlighting the importance of education. The NEHEP has developed the Educating People with Diabetes Kit for health professionals and Ojo con su visión: Si tienes diabetes, lea esta historia. (Watch Out for Your Vision: If you have diabetes, read this story), a Spanish-language booklet, designed to educate Hispanics with diabetes about the ocular complications of the disease.

Low vision is a visual impairment, not correctable by standard glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery, that interferes with activities of daily life. Affecting nearly one in 20 Americans, or about 14 million people, low vision affects one's ability to cook, read, drive, and socialize. People at higher risk include those over age 65 and Blacks and Hispanics ages 45 and older. The Low Vision Education Program is designed to increase awareness that hope and help are available to people with low vision and their families and friends. Among the program's features are an educational booklet available in English and Spanish (What you should know about low vision/Ojo con su visión: Sepa qué hacer si tiene baja visión), public service campaigns, and a low vision exhibit that will travel to shopping centers across the country.

For more information on the National Eye Health Education Program, call the NEI Information Office at (301) 496-5248.