'Silver Screenings' Return to Pearle Vision Free Public Health Campaign Promotes Life-Long Eye Health

    CLEVELAND, Ohio, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- In its continuing efforts to offer
 older adults comprehensive vision care and preventative advice, Pearle Vision
 is pleased to announce the return of "Silver Screenings," a free public health
 campaign to promote better life-long eye health and care by addressing the
 unique needs of older adults.  Through September 4, 1999, participating Pearle
 Vision stores across the nation will offer free Silver Screenings to ensure
 optimal vision, eye safety, frame comfort and long eyeglass life.
     The three-point inspections are designed for seniors and include:
     -- a certificate for a complementary glaucoma pressure screening from a
        licensed doctor of optometry affiliated with Pearle Vision to be used
        at the customer's convenience
     -- a vision screening to determine the effectiveness of current eyewear
        prescriptions since vision can change rapidly, and
     -- a thorough eyeglass cleaning and professional adjustment.
 
     "Silver Screenings" have returned to Pearle for the second year in
 response to information provided by the Glaucoma Research Foundation which
 states that glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United
 States.  The Foundation reports that at least three million Americans have
 glaucoma, and perhaps more shocking, at least half do not even know they have
 it.
     "Glaucoma is generally called 'the sneak thief of sight,' because many
 people with glaucoma don't know they have it until it's too late to save their
 sight," said Dr. Michael Cohen, vice president of professional services for
 Pearle Vision.  "Glaucoma is not one disease but a group of diseases that are
 characterized by peripheral or side vision loss and also increased pressure in
 the eye.  Typically, there are no physical symptoms, and so glaucoma pressure
 screenings are critical to good eye health."
 
     WHO:    Pearle Vision
 
     WHAT:   2nd Annual "Silver Screenings"  --  Public Health Campaign
             including:
             -- glaucoma pressure screening
             -- vision screening
             -- eyeglass cleaning & professional adjustment
 
     WHEN:   Through September 4, 1999
 
     WHERE:  Participating Pearle Vision Stores
 
     WHY:    At Pearle Vision, the Doctor is INvolved.  Each year, for those
             who are at risk of developing glaucoma, ignorance can cost them
             their sight.  And while glaucoma is the second leading cause of
             blindness in the United States, most blindness can be prevented if
             the disease is detected and treated in its early stages.  For the
             second year, Pearle Vision offers this free public service.
 
     Background Information
     To locate the Pearle Vision store nearest you, visit www.pearlevision.com
 or call 1-800-YES-EYES.  Founded in 1961 by Dr. Stanley C. Pearle, Pearle
 Vision is one of the nation's leading optical retailers with more than 800
 stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  Pearle Vision is a
 subsidiary of Cleveland, Ohio-based Cole National, a $1 billion optical and
 gift retailer with a combined total of more than 2,800 retail locations.
 
 

SOURCE  Pearle Vision