Ojai, California - Diabetes and its effect on vision will be the focus of a free seminar that Community Memorial Health System will hold on Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Ojai Valley Women’s Club, 441 East Ojai Ave.

Optometrist Roger Phelps will lead the seminar that will run from 9 to 10:30 a.m. With 25 percent of the U.S. population affected by diabetes or pre-diabetes, Dr. Phelps will discuss its effects on vision as well as cover the newest treatment options available to prevent diabetes-related blindness. Other topics he will cover include recognizing the symptoms of diabetes and measures to take to prevent pre-diabetes from turning into diabetes.

Dr. Phelps received his Doctorate of Optometry from the University of California at Berkeley. He is certified in Therapeutic Optometry and is a Certified Diabetes Educator. Dr. Phelps is member of the American Optometric Association and a Fellow with the American Academy of Optometry America. He is also a professional member of a number of diabetes educators associations and is an active member of the Ojai Valley Community Hospital medical staff.

The seminar is co-sponsored by KVTA Radio and the Rotary Club of Ojai. Admission is free, but space is limited, so reservations are suggested. Call 805/640-2355, or visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and nine family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.