Prevent Blindness is recognizing June as Cataract Month to raise awareness of the leading cause of vision loss in the United States.

The nonprofit organization offers a variety of free cataract-focused educational materials eyecare professionals can share with their patients, including downloadable fact sheets, social media graphics, and information on cataract surgery through its dedicated cataract resource center. The organization also provides information on vision care financial assistance programs in both English and Spanish.

An episode of Prevent Blindness’s Focus on Eye Health Expert Series, “Understanding Cataract,” features Albert Cheung, MD, a cataract, cornea, and anterior segment specialist with Virginia Eye Consultants and assistant professor of ophthalmology at Eastern Virginia Medical School.

The organization’s June Focus on Eye Health Podcast episode also explores cataracts from the patient perspective. Hosted by Christopher Hord, the episode features Ashley Mangen, vice president of commercial business development at First Financial Bank, a participant in the Prevent Blindness ASPECT Patient Engagement Program, and a member of the Prevent Blindness Ohio board of directors.

“Most people will develop cataract later in life. The good news is that cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to save sight,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “We encourage patients and care partners to check out our free cataract resources and work with their eye doctors to protect and restore healthy vision.”