251783 Critical Links between Vision Health & Environmental Health

Monday, October 31, 2011: 8:30 AM

Michael R. Duenas, OD , Associate Director, Health Sciences and Policy, American Optometric Association, Alexandria, VA
This presentation will identify important relationships between eye diseases/vision health, pollution and the built environment. Explination of the important links between environmental contamination and vision and eye health will include a description of potential environmental contaminants, biological plausibility/action and tie to associated chronic diseases. Disease disparities will be discussed based on intersections between racial and income status, contaminated land areas and medically underserved areas including potential policy implications.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Basic medical science applied in public health
Clinical medicine applied in public health
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
• Attendees will be able to identify eye diseases/conditions associated with exposure to environmental contaminants • Attendees will be able to describe vision and eye health associated chronic diseases that relate to the environmental status of the community. • Attendees will be able to identify potential cost savings to health systems.

Keywords: Vision Care, Environmental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Expertise and experience in vision and eye health and chronic disease. Oversee programs involving, Community Health Centers, Applied Public Health Research and Health Policy.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.