Web Site Policies and Important Links
On this page:
- Accessibility
- Updating your Browser
- PDF Files
- Privacy Policy
- Copyright Policy
- Linking Policy
- Schedule for Posting Content
- Information Quality Guidelines
- Freedom of Information Act
- Disclaimers
Accessibility
The National Eye Institute (NEI) is making every effort to ensure that the information available on our website is accessible to all. If you use special adaptive equipment to access the Web and encounter problems when using our site, please let us know. Write to: 2020@nei.nih.gov and we will provide the information to you in an alternate format. Please be as specific as possible when describing the information you need. If you prefer, you may call the NEI's Information Office at (301) 496-5248.
To learn more about the regulations governing the accessibility of Federal electronic information products, visit the Section 508 page.
Updating your Browser
Certain web pages are best viewed by using recent versions of Internet browsers. If you are using an older browser version, you may have trouble viewing certain webpages. Download a new version for free:
- Internet Explorer
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/default.mspx - Netscape Communicator
http://browser.netscape.com/ - Firefox
http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
PDF Files
Portable Document Format (PDF) files preserve all the fonts, formatting, graphics, and color of a printed document once it is placed on a website. Several documents on the NEI Website are provided in PDF format. PDF files require the free Adobe® Reader® software for viewing. If you have a visual impairment, please visit access.adobe.com for help in working more effectively with PDF files.
Copyright Policy
Most of the information on our site is in the public domain and can be used without charge or restriction. There are a few exceptions; at times the NEI site may contain documents or links to documents, such as full-text journal articles, that may be copyright protected. Permission to reproduce copyrighted documents may be required. Also, some materials that can be ordered from our site are subject to cost-recovery fee; however, in most cases, a single copy of any NEI publication can be ordered for free.
While you can reuse content found on our site, please note that many of our on-line health publications are updated as we learn more about that specific disease or condition. Occasionally, we see sites that copy and re-post our materials but fail to check for updates, which results in out-of-date information being offered to users. For that reason, we urge you to link to our resource documents rather than re-posting. If you do re-post, please check back periodically to see if there are revisions, and please give source credit to the National Eye Institute.
Linking Policy
Although organizations are welcome to link to the NEI Website, NEI policy limits outside links to other Federal government agencies, selected NEI grantees, National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) Partnership members, and selected eye-related organizations. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. For example, temporary links may be established with an organization that is conducting a meeting for which the NEI is providing sponsorship. In addition, links to the developers of tools that assist visitors in using website technology are provided. Currently, the NEI Website links to free versions of the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader, QuickTime® player, and RealPlayer® viewer.
Schedule for Posting Content
We post information as available, unless otherwise required by law. Some areas of the NEI website are updated daily while others may not be updated for weeks or months.
Information Quality Guidelines
NEI is your trusted source for reliable information. Read more about the NIH information quality guidelines.
Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552, provides individuals with a right to access to records in the possession of the federal government. The NIH website has information regarding FOIA requests.
Disclaimers
The links to outside Internet sites provided on our website are provided as a service to our users and do not imply endorsement by NEI or the National Institutes of Health. NEI is not responsible for the availability or content of these individual organizations' websites.
It is not the intention of NEI to provide specific medical advice, but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health and their diagnosed disorders. Specific medical advice will not be provided, and NEI urges you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal questions.
