Whereas, There are approximately ten million blind and visually impaired individuals in the United States, with the leading causes of blindness being age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts; and, 

Whereas, Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent blindness and vision loss from many sight-threatening eye diseases, and people should be aware of the importance of routine eye examination; and, 

Whereas, People who are blind or visually impaired can achieve excellence in all that they choose to do if they have the necessary services and training; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons is a professional organization whose mission is to ensure quality medical eye care and raise awareness of potentially blinding eye diseases; and,

Whereas, Eye doctors who have patients who are legally blind are encouraged to refer these individuals to the Michigan Commission for the Blind; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Commission for the Blind provides training and other services to help blind and visually impaired individuals achieve independence and employment; and,

Whereas, Leader Dogs for the Blind educates the community and employers about blindness and offers work rehabilitation and special programs, including Trekker Training (GPS), to enhance the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals, and is the only leader dog school in the country that offers a Deaf/Blind Program; and,

Whereas, The Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology hosts one of the largest free support groups for the elderly blind and visually impaired in America, and assists people who are blind or visually impaired in maintaining independence through education, support, and socialization; and,

Whereas, The Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology is involved with research in artificial vision and technology to improve the sight ability of people who are visually impaired to maintain a driver's license; and,

Whereas, These and other organizations are working together to increase public awareness that blindness is often preventable and that blind and visually impaired people can lead independent and productive lives with the training and services available; and now therefore be it,    

Resolved, That, I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2007, as Michigan Blindness Prevention and Services Month.