New York Hospital Queens and Congressman Joe Crowley Provide Free Glaucoma Screenings in Jackson Heights

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Scott Sieber, 718-670-1579
Cynthia Bacon, 718-670-2515

Flushing, NY – More than 40 people recently received free glaucoma screenings in Jackson Heights courtesy of New York Hospital Queens Congressman Joe Crowley, the Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Foundation and Catholic Charities.

Glaucoma, a disease that is primarily caused by pressure building up in the eye, is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the U.S. More than 3 million Americans are afflicted with this disease. In the early stages of the disease, symptoms are rare. Over time, a sign of the disease may be the loss of peripheral vision or colors start appearing dull. Regular eye checks by qualified professionals are important. Early diagnosis and treatment of the disease are the best ways to preserve vision.

The free screening at the Sheridan Senior Center in Jackson Heights was made possible thanks in part to a $100,000 grant from the Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Foundation that enables the HealthOutreach program at New York Hospital Queens to go out and provide testing to neighborhoods throughout Queens.  Thanks to this partnership, New York Hospital Queens has screened more than 5,000 individuals for glaucoma since 2003.

The HealthOutreach program is a free service open to individuals over the age of 60. The hospital’s HealthOutreach program provides a borough-wide network of activities screening events and programs that encourage healthy living.

The Queens Eye Center was established by New York Hospital Queens in 1993 to serve those with general eye care needs as well as individuals with complex problems demanding the use of today’s most sophisticated technology.

New York Hospital Queens is a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System and is an affiliate of the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

New York Hospital Queens hosted a free glaucoma screening with Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation and Catholic Charities. Pictured from left to right, Bud Grant, chief executive officer, Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation, William Cooper, M.D., director, Queens Eye Center, Jacqueline Xouris, director, HealthOutreach, Congressman Joe Crowley, Lawrence Harfmann, program manager, Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services, Catherine Sheridan Older Adult Services.

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