Write the Vision provides resources with a specific focus and theme that corresponds with the time of year. Use these resources in your community outreach to educate African Americans about the importance of comprehensive dilated eye exams.
November is National Diabetes Month!
Help African Americans protect their vision from diabetic eye disease.
National Diabetes Month is a good time to talk about eye health. Why? African Americans with diabetes are at higher risk for diabetic eye disease, but many don’t know it. In addition, diabetic eye disease, a silent disease that has no symptoms or warning signs, is the number one cause of blindness. The only way to detect diabetic eye disease is through a comprehensive dilated eye exam, but only half of people with diabetes get this sight-saving exam.
Encourage members of the community you serve to schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Use the following Write the Vision materials to help spread this important news:
Article
Use this article in any of your publications or newsletters to educate people about eye health. You can copy and paste the text into a new document or download and use the file as is.
Fact sheet
Find information and tips to help you communicate important eye health messages to African Americans.
- Focus on diabetic retinopathy (PDF 956 KB)
Infographics
Share these infographics with your networks, community leaders, and partner organizations. Print and place the infographics in common areas, post on your website and social media pages, and encourage others to do the same.
Slide/flyer
Please share this slide/flyer with the people in your community. Include it in presentations and weekly congregational announcements, place in common areas, and post on your website and social media pages.
Featured resource
Be sure to check out this month’s eye health feature, the TRACK animation on diabetic eye disease. Watch and share the link with others.
Social media posts for November
Here are the Write the Vision social media posts for November. We hope you are as excited as we are to share them. Get the word out in the community by sharing these posts about healthy vision. Join the national conversation by using the hashtag #MyHealthyEyes.
Facebook posts

Do you have friends or loved ones with diabetes? Share this video with tips to help keep their health on track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX4w6U-Qs1k

During National Diabetes Month, learn about the eye health complications that people who have diabetes can get. Vision lost from diabetic eye disease often cannot be restored, but early detection and timely treatment can save sight. Learn more: https://nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/diabetic-retinopathy
Twitter posts

Do you have friends or loved ones with #diabetes? Share this video to help keep their health on track: http://bit.ly/1jqHi33

During National Diabetes Month, learn about the eye health complications that people who have #diabetes can get: https://nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/diabetic-retinopathy