Media Advisory

For Immediate Release
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Contact: WHCoA Press Office: 301-443-2394

2005 WHCoA To Participate in “Healthy Eyes” Solutions Forum

Dorcas R. Hardy, Chairman of the 2005 White House Conference on Aging (WHCoA) Policy Committee will be joined by WHCoA Advisory Committee member and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Professor Rodolfo Arredondo to participate in a Solutions Forum entitled, “Eye Care Access: Eliminating Barriers for Seniors and Baby Boomers” hosted by the American Optometric Association on June 24, 2005 in Dallas, Texas.

WHCoA officials will hear innovative ideas and recommendations from the optometric community including doctors, students and educators from across the country. This input will assist the Policy Committee in their planning for the 2005 White House Conference on Aging, scheduled to occur December 11 to 14 in Washington, DC.

The mission of the WHCoA, which is held once a decade is to report policy recommendations to the President and Congress designed to help guide national aging policies for the next ten years and beyond. Four previous White House Conferences on Aging have been held.

The 2005 WHCoA will focus on current and future seniors, including the 78 million baby boomers who will begin to turn 60 in 2006. As the nation ages, more baby boomers are at risk of developing vision problems such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. By the year 2030, twice as many people will be blind as are today because of age-related diseases. Early detection and access to care is critical to prevent vision loss.

When: Friday, June 24, 2005
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: Hyatt DFW
2337 South International Parkway
Dallas, TX

Contact: Moya Benoit Thompson
(301) 443-2394

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