Second Annual "Eyes on Capitol Hill" Event Offers Patients Meetings With More Than 80 Legislators
Prevent Blindness America Celebrates the Success of Second Annual Citizen Advocate Campaign
Carol White, citizen advocate, Rep. John Boozman, OD (R-AR), Beckie Moore, Executive Director, Prevent Blindness America-Arkansas Division
CHICAGO (March 7, 2007) – Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s leading volunteer eye health and safety organization, celebrated the success of the second annual "Eyes on Capitol Hill" campaign, held in Washington, DC. The program was initially launched in 2006 to allow those affected by vision loss to meet with their own state’s legislators and share their personal experiences with vision loss and eye disease or injuries. With the help of Prevent Blindness America’s many affiliates, patients were selected from across the country based on their inspirational stories.
Rep. Steve Kagen, MD (D-WI), Sharon Scribner, Prevent Blindness America, Clinton Robison III, citizen advocate, Sister Bay, Wisc., Tami Radwill, Program Director, Prevent Blindness Wisconsin
"We would like to thank all of the congressional leaders and their staff 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 Daniel D. Garrett, senior vice president of Prevent Blindness America. "And, of course, we would also like to thank the more than 100 participants who were not only willing to share their stories but also try and help others in their own communities in the process."
Elaine Jabenis, Prevent Blindness Nebraska Board Member, Sen. Ben Nelson, (D-NE), Carol Russell, Chief Volunteer Officer, Prevent Blindness Nebraska
More than 100 people participated after a nationwide search of individuals affected by vision loss through eye disease or traumatic injuries. 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 America 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.
The non-profit group will also work to increase membership of the Congressional Vision Caucus, a bipartisan coalition of more than 100 Congressional Members. This year, Prevent Blindness America is hoping to expand the group by asking Senate members to join, therefore educating more of our nation’s leaders on the need to improve vision health services.
Planning for next year’s Eyes on Capitol Hill campaign is already underway. The group hopes to expand, once again, the number of patient advocates and raise awareness among government representatives on the importance and effectiveness of vision programs.
For more information on Eyes on Capitol Hill or on how you can contact your state representative to ask for their support on vision-related issues, call Prevent Blindness America at 1-800-331-2020 or click here.
About Prevent Blindness America
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness America touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, divisions and chapters, Prevent Blindness America is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in the United States. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020.
