Thursday, March 3, 2011

WDFW Offering Free Visual Screening

Keep Your Vision On Target


Good vision is an important component of safe hunting.  Hunters with a valid Washington hunting license are now eligible to receive a free visual acuity screening at participating optometrist locations across the state.  This offer is completely voluntary;  there is no compulsory requirement.
Find a participating optometrist in your area by visiting the Optometric Physicians of Washington (OPW) web site at www.eyes.org.  Click on the “Hunters Vision Screening” section and then type in the first two digits (e.g., 98 or 99) of your zip code area to obtain a complete list of participating optometrists.  The vision screening is simple, fast and free for individuals who present a valid Washington hunting license.
How often do you have your vision checked?  When was the last time you had your vision checked?  If you haven’t had your vision checked in the past 12 months, please consider a free, voluntary vision screening before you head afield this year.  Did you know….?
  • 45% of all hunting Washington hunting incidents between 1978 and 2008 were vision-related?
  • 20+% of victims in hunting incidents were shot by fellow hunters pursuing game birds?
  • 10% of victims in hunting incidents were mistaken for game by fellow hunters?
Make no mistake: Hunting today in Washington State is a very safe activity, but it’s also an activity that can be made safer.   Even one hunting incident is one too many.  The Optometric Physicians of Washington have partnered with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to offer this free, voluntary visual acuity screening.  Take a few moments now to schedule a vision screening and keep your vision on target.
A postcard is available at local hunting license vendors to present at a participating OPW location or go online to the WDFW Hot Link on sidebar and search hunting tab.

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