The Second Annual "Save Your Vision" Open House on March 22 begins at 1 p.m. and concludes at 3:30 p.m. Experts will be on hand to discuss glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, computer vision syndrome, and many more.

Along with the Open House, there will be snacks and free pediatric vision screenings for elementary aged children in grades 1- 6.

"The vision of our future leaders may be corrected today so that our children do not become the blind leading the blind. Service members and families are welcome to attend," said Maj. Ina Lee, Chief of Optometry.

Former President Barack Obama established the annual event in 2009 called "Save Your Vision" to bring awareness to the topic of preventable vision loss. Moreover, the American Association of Optometry designated the month of March as "Save Your Vision Month" to bring attention to preventative measures and to recognize the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams for ocular health. It is imperative to note that the eyes are part of the body as a whole, and many times, systemic conditions can show manifestations in the eye, that may not cause any symptoms.

The National Federation of the Blind estimates 75,000 Americans become blind or visually impaired each year, with as many as 10 million already afflicted. Vision is so critical for our everyday lives, but is often taken for granted, such that many do not know what they have until it is gone. There is a wide range of ocular conditions that lead to vision loss. Much of this vision loss can be prevented if the condition is caught at an earlier stage and treated accordingly.