/R E P E A T -- AUDIO CLIP ADVISORY - Preventing vision health crisis/

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STORY SUMMARY:

The causes of vision loss are numerous. In fact, every year more than 50,000 Canadians will lose their sight. As we age, and diabetes and obesity continue to rise, the incidence of vision loss is expected to increase nearly 30 per cent over the next ten years.

With access to the most appropriate treatment, however, this growing crisis in vision health can be prevented.

SCRIPT:

Every year, more than 50,000 Canadians lose their sight.¹ As the population ages, vision loss is expected to increase nearly 30 per cent over the next 10 years.²

This looming crisis can be prevented. Many of the conditions that threaten our vision and then our function and autonomy can be treated – but only if appropriate medical treatments are accessible. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.

Jane Barratt, Secretary General of the International Federation on Ageing, offers this comment:

"Timely access to treatment is critical to maintaining vision health. A recent review of drugs used to treat retinal conditions raised important questions about how therapies are assessed in Canada. Decisions to restrict access to any appropriate therapy should be based on scientific evidence and consultation with stakeholders, and not on cost savings."

In a recent survey, Canadians over 45 strongly agreed that physicians and patients should be able choose the best available and approved treatments for eye and other conditions, regardless of cost.

IFA encourages patients and families to be better informed about the treatments and choices available to them. For more information, visit www.eye-see-you.ca. Anna Kennedy reporting.

¹ http://www.cnib.ca/en/about/media/vision-loss/pages/default.aspx
² http://www.cnib.ca/en/about/media/vision-loss/pages/default.aspx

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CNW CREATIVE
July 12, 2016

SOURCE International Federation on Ageing

Audio with caption: "Single clip from Dr. Jane Barratt, Secretary General of the International Federation on Ageing". Audio available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2016/07/13/20160713_C5254_AUDIO_EN_732408.mp3

Audio with caption: "Complete Audio News Release". Audio available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2016/07/13/20160713_C5254_AUDIO_EN_732410.mp3

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