Did you know that January is Glaucoma Awareness Month?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the optic nerve. The most common form is primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). An estimated 2.2 million Americans have been diagnosed with POAG and an additional 2 million have glaucoma and don’t know it.

There are often no symptoms or pain associated with the onset of glaucoma. As it progresses, a person may notice his or her side vision decreasing. As the glaucoma worsens, the field of vision narrows and blindness may result.

Glaucoma can be detected through a dilated eye exam. A dilated eye exam allows an eye care professional to see inside the eye to check for signs of glaucoma and other vision problems. Treatment options for glaucoma include medicines, laser surgery, conventional surgery or a combination of any of these.

While anyone can get glaucoma, the National Eye Institute (NEI) encourages those at higher risk to get a dilated eye exam every one to two years. Individuals at higher risk include African Americans over age 40; everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans; and people with a family history of glaucoma.

To help spread the message about glaucoma, NEI has developed a series of e-cards that people can send as reminders about the importance of dilated eye exams in reducing the risk of vision loss. For more information about glaucoma or to send an e-card to family members or friends at risk for glaucoma, visit the NEI website at www.nei.nih.gov/glaucoma.

Medi-Cal recipients can earn $100 for participating in a two-hour discussion group about how people with regular Medi-Cal feel about the program. The discussion groups will help a local organization learn how to improve care, work better with patients, and understand patient needs and problems with getting services. You must be a San Francisco County resident to participate.

WHO
• People with disabilities between the ages of 21 and 64 years who have Regular Medi-Cal (also called Fee-For-Service)
• Parents of children (up to age 21) with special needs; children must have MediCal (either Regular Medi-Cal, also called Fee-For-Service, or Medi-Cal through a health plan)
• Caregivers for people with a disability between the ages of 21 and 64 years who have Regular Medi-Cal (also called Fee-For-Service)
• Seniors (65+ years) who have Regular Medi-Cal (also called Fee-For-Service)

WHAT
Each two-hour discussion group will be in downtown San Francisco. Participants will receive $100 for their time. This is not clinical research. All responses are strictly confidential.

WHEN
Wednesday, January 12, 2011 or Thursday, January 13, 2011
(You must qualify to participate. The time and date depends on the group you are in.)

Please call Elizabeth at (650) 871-6800 between 10:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. as soon as possible since seating is limited. You can also leave a message during other times with your first name and phone number, and you will receive a call back within 24 hours.