Whereas, Leader Dogs for the Blind, the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, and eye doctors across the state are working together to encourage residents to have a routine eye examination, which is key for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent blindness and vision loss from sight-threatening diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts; and,
 
Whereas, Eye doctors who have patients who are legally blind are encouraged to refer them to the Michigan Commission for the Blind, which provides training and other services to help blind and visually impaired individuals achieve independence as well as employment; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons is a professional organization whose mission is to ensure quality medical eye care and to raise awareness of potentially blinding eye diseases; and,

Whereas, The mission of Leader Dogs for the Blind is to enhance the independence and mobility of people who are blind and visually impaired through its services and special programs, including training in navigation using audible GPS technology; and,
 
Whereas, In order to protect the sight ability of those who are visually impaired, the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology is involved in developing artificial vision and technology, hosting support groups for the elderly and assisting in maintaining independence through education, support, and socialization;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2010 Blindness Prevention and Services Month in Michigan. I ask that all citizens recognize the importance of a routine eye examination to ensure long-term health of their eyes and to help support programs that educate the community about blindness and the critical role rehabilitation services play in assisting those with sight loss to live independently and productively.

Be it Further Resolved, That Blindness Prevention and Services Month in Michigan be observed by increasing public knowledge of the preventable causes of blindness and to acknowledge that blind and visually impaired people can lead independent and productive lives with training and use of services available.