TORONTO  – This May, CNIB is launching its second annual Vision Health Month to raise awareness about eye health and help eliminate avoidable sight loss in Canada.

“Few Canadians realize 75 per cent of vision loss is preventable or treatable,” says John M. Rafferty, CNIB President and CEO. “During Vision Health Month, we’ll be calling on Canadians to take control of their eye health, starting with getting their eyes checked.”

Simple lifestyle changes like wearing UV-protective sunglasses year-round and eating a diet rich in dark, leafy greens can also have a big impact on your eyes, says Rafferty.

Throughout the course of the month, CNIB is leading a range of exciting activities designed to elevate vision health as a health priority for Canadians – including public service announcements, awareness clinics and fundraising campaigns like Shades of Fun.

Now in its second year, Shades of Fun encourages Canadians from coast to coast to slip on their sunglasses throughout May to protect their eyes from UV damage, and throw fun fundraisers to support CNIB. This year, the organization has even rallied the support of a range of soon-to-be announced celebrities, from pop stars to actors and TV journalists.

“Shades of Fun is an easy, fun way to show your support for CNIB and raise awareness about eye health,” says Rafferty. “All you have to do is wear your favourite sunglasses, get your family and friends together, and throw a fun fundraiser – barbeque, karaoke party, anything goes!” 

The campaign culminates at the end of the month with Shades of Fun day on May 26, in which thousands of Canadians from coast to coast will be wearing their sunglasses and throwing fun fundraisers to support CNIB.

“Vision loss can happen to anyone, at any time,” says Rafferty. “It’s not life-ending, but it is life-changing. This is why these kinds of events are so important in helping raise awareness about vision health and supporting Canadians who’ve lost their vision and have turned to CNIB for help.”

Canadians can support CNIB Vision Health Month by participating in Shades of Fun or one of many CNIB community events happening throughout May (listed online at www.cnib.ca), or by texting CNIB to 45678 to make a $5 donation.

Did You Know?

·        Every 12 minutes, someone in Canada starts to lose his/her vision.

·        Seventy-five per cent of vision loss is preventable or treatable.

·        Canadians can take control of their eye health by visiting their eye doctor regularly; wearing sunglasses year-round; and learning more about vision loss at

www.cnib.ca/visionhealthmonth