National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP)—A program of the National Institutes of Health

November is National Diabetes Month

Join the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) in educating people about diabetic eye disease.

Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that people with diabetes may face as a complication of the disease, which if left untreated, can lead to vision loss or blindness. These include cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

NEHEP offers a variety of resources in English and Spanish for community organizations and health professionals to use when educating people with diabetes about how they can protect their sight. Below are a few samples of resources you can use in your community during National Diabetes Month.

Diabetic Eye Disease Infographic (in English and Spanish)—An at-a-glance visual representation of diabetic eye disease, its prevalence rates, and what people can do to protect their vision.

Social Media Toolkit—A variety of social media resources available from NEHEP, including sample Facebook and Twitter messages about diabetic eye disease and other tools that raise awareness.

National Diabetes Month Announcements and Receipt Messages—Short messages to play on a phone line, announce over a public address system, or print on store receipts or statements.

Diabetic Eye Disease Vodcast—A video in which an eye care professional explains the importance of detecting diabetic eye disease early and how to treat it.

Diabetic Retinopathy Animation—A visual depiction of how diabetes affects the blood vessels in the retina.

Web Buttons—Buttons that can be embedded on a website or blog that will link to the National Diabetes Month Website.

E-Signature—An e-mail signature that can be added to messages that will link to the NEHEP Diabetic Eye Disease Education Website.

Public Service Announcements (PSAs)—A variety of PSAs that can be downloaded and used in magazines, newsletters, and newspapers or posted on websites or social media outlets.

Drop-In Articles—Articles offered in English and Spanish that can be placed in your organization’s newsletter or website, or sent to your constituents or local media.

Diabetic Eye Disease Education Website—A consumer- friendly website available in English and Spanish where people can learn about early detection, timely treatment, and follow-up care for diabetic eye disease.

With early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up, severe vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can be reduced by 95 percent. Join us in spreading the word!

Visit http://www.nei.nih.gov/nehep/NDM for more.