State Reps. Tina Davis and Mary Isaacson today announced the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ adoption of a measure aimed at raising awareness of diabetic retinopathy and promoting free diabetic eye screenings taking place across the Commonwealth on April 25.
Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes, remains the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. Over time, more than half of individuals living with diabetes will develop the condition. However, early detection through regular screenings can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss.
House Resolution 428 highlights the importance of these preventative screenings and recognizes the dedicated ophthalmologists who are volunteering their time and expertise to provide free services to Pennsylvanians.
“Diabetic retinopathy is a serious but often preventable condition when caught early,” Davis said, noting that increasing awareness of free screenings gives people the opportunity to take control of their health and protect their vision. “These free screenings are a critical resource, especially for individuals who may not otherwise have access to regular eye care, and I commend the ophthalmologists and medical professionals who are stepping up to serve their communities and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
House Resolution 428 also underscores the importance of early detection and encourages Pennsylvanians living with diabetes to prioritize routine eye care as part of their overall health.
“The importance of diabetic eye screenings to prevent blindness cannot be understated. This resolution will spread awareness about the dangers of diabetic retinopathy and encourage people to take advantage of any free diabetic eye screenings,” Isaacson said. “It also recognizes the selfless ophthalmologists who volunteer their time and skills to keep people from losing their eyesight due to a disease that is preventable with early screening.”
The free diabetic eye screenings scheduled for April 25 will be available at multiple locations throughout Pennsylvania, offering accessible, no-cost services to help detect early signs of diabetes-related eye disease.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these screenings and to consult with their healthcare providers about maintaining regular eye exams as part of their overall diabetes care.
For more information about screening locations and availability, individuals should contact local healthcare providers or community health organizations. Participating institutions include Geisinger, Nazareth, Penn State, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Drexel University, Temple University Ophthalmology, UPMC, University of Pennsylvania Scheie Eye, Wills Eye Hospital and St. Lukes’s. Additional information on free tests offered by Wills Eye is available at this link
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