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PROTECT YOUR PATIENTS
Over 600,000 eye injuries related to sports and recreation occur in the United
States every year. Almost all of these injuries are preventable.
PROTECT YOURSELF
1 in 8 victims of severe eye injuries, and 1 in 20 victims of less severe eye
injuries, initiate legal proceedings against parties assumed to be responsible.
MEMBER COMMITMENT: THE "3 I's"
| Membership in the Coalition simply means committing to the
following steps: |
| Inquire: |
Ask your patients, "DO YOU PLAY SPORTS?" |
| Inform: |
Describe the sport-specific risks of eye injury, as well as the strong
recommendations regarding the use of protective eyewear by organizations such
as the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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| Introduce: |
Present your patients with protective eyewear alternatives that are appropriate
for their activities. |
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| The Coalition provides support and training materials that will
make it easy for its members to effectively perform these steps.
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| Ophthalmologist, optometrist and optician eye care practices that
commit to the 3 I's will be listed as "Sports Injury Prevention Centers"
in the Coalition's practice locator and outreach literature.
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OUTREACH
The Coalition has initiated outreach programs in collaboration with prominent
sport, health and safety organizations throughout the United States. Through
these channels we are working to raise awareness regarding the risks of sports
eye injuries as well as the solution inherent in the Coalition's network of
Sports Injury Prevention Centers. The objective of these outreach
programs is to provide athletic directors, coaches, physical education
instructors, parents and players with an easily identifiable, local resource
for the prevention of sports eye injuries.
Members will receive periodic updates regarding the progress of the Coalition's
outreach programs, as well as additional materials enabling practitioners to be
proactive in the fight to prevent sports eye injuries in their local
communities.
"We are indeed hopeful that through our efforts there will be less needless
loss of the precious gift of vision through appropriate protection."
Paul Berman, O.D., F.A.A.O.
Chairman, The Coalition to Prevent Sports Eye Injuries
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