CHICAGO (April 20, 2007) – Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest non-profit eye health and safety organization, announced its strong support for Senate bill S.1117, also known as the “Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007.” This groundbreaking legislation would provide eye exams and follow up care for children who have been identified as needing vision care services. The bi-partisan bill was sponsored by Sens. Christopher Bond (R-MO) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT). The companion bill, H.R. 507, was introduced in January in the House of Representatives.
"Research shows that more than 12 million school-age children, or one in four, have some form of a vision problem," said Daniel D. Garrett, senior vice president of Prevent Blindness America. "Through proper vision screenings and follow-up care, we can potentially save their sight and make a difference in the lives of our most precious resource, our children."
With early diagnosis and treatment, many vision problems such as amblyopia, also known as "lazy eye," and strabismus, known as "crossed eyes," can be corrected. Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that only a third of America’s children receive any eye care service before their sixth birthday. With many families struggling to find affordable healthcare insurance, vision exams sometimes become out of reach.
The Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007 was developed by leading vision care organizations, including Prevent Blindness America, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association and the Vision Council of America to address these challenges.
"With such strong support from the vision community, the Vision Care for Kids Act will stimulate our ongoing dialogue with Congress about the importance and need for more federal funding and additional policies regarding research, prevention and access to care and treatment of vision problems," added Garrett.
Prevent Blindness America is asking the public for their help in passing this important legislation by contacting their government leaders and urging them to support policies that save children’s vision. Please write, call, or email your Senator today and urge him/her to cosponsor this important legislation. Feel free to customize the sample letter to explain why vision care for kids is an important issue for you!
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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, certified vision screening and training, 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, it's committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020.
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