Representative Gus Bilirakis and Prevent Blindness Florida CEO Jay Tobin
Miami patients Wanda Browning and Dr. Michael Gilbert joined Prevent Blindness Florida President & CEO Jay Tobin in Washington, DC for the second annual Eyes on Capitol Hill in February. The citizen advocate campaign was initially launched in 2006 to allow those affected by vision loss to meet with their Congressional representatives or offices and share their personal experiences with vision loss and eye disease or injuries. Patients were selected from across the country based on their inspirational stories.
“We would like to thank the legislative aides in Senators Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez’s for allowing us to educate them on the personal side of vision loss and steps that can be taken to prevent it, in many cases,” said Tobin. “And, of course, we would also like to thank our local participants who were not only willing to share their stories but also to try to help others in their own communities in the process.” Tobin also met with Representative Gus Bilirakis.
More than 100 people participated after a nationwide search of individuals affected by vision loss through eye disease or traumatic injuries. Prevent Blindness Florida and Prevent Blindness America sponsored all travel expenses and set up appointments between patients and their elected officials.
As the 110th Congress begins work this year, Prevent Blindness Florida hopes to continue to educate lawmakers on the need to pass important sight-saving legislation such as The Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007 (H.R. 507). The bill, developed by Prevent Blindness America and other leading vision care organizations, would provide eye exams and follow-up care for children who have been identified as needing vision care services.
In addition, patients asked for expansion of the Centers for Disease Control’s Adult Vision Screening and Education program. Through this program, the CDC supports activities to screen and educate elderly, low-income, underserved populations, and follow up with appropriate referral and treatment efforts.
Browning and Gilbert also urged their senators to join the Congressional Vision Caucus, a bipartisan coalition of more than 100 members of Congress educating our nation’s leaders on the need to improve vision health services. The Vision Caucus is now open to Senators, too.
Please contact Kitty Pelster Rawson in the Prevent Blindness Florida office if you would be interested in participating next year.
Prevent Blindness Florida, an affiliate of Prevent Blindness America, was founded in 1957. We are Florida’s leader in preserving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, we touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of Floridians annually through public health & professional education, advocacy, community programs and research. These services are made possible by the generosity of Floridians. You can help support the sight-saving programs of Prevent Blindness Florida by donating $1 or more when you renew your vehicle registration and driver’s license.
|
