U.S. Senate and House of Representatives Introduce Children’s Vision Legislation
Pre-Inauguration Introduction Signals Importance of Issue in Congress
Alexandria, VA (January 19, 2009) – With bipartisan support, the “Vision Care for Kids Act of 2009” was introduced today in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The bill (S. 259/H.R. 577), sponsored by Sens. Christopher “Kit” Bond (R-MO) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT), as well as Congressmen Gene Green (D-TX), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), John Sullivan (R-OK), Elliot Engel (D-NY) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), aims to provide children with follow-up care needed after being identified with a potential vision problem by a comprehensive eye exam or vision screening.

“Good vision is critical to our children’s ability to learn. All children must have the tools they need to succeed and that begins with good vision, which ensures they can see a bright future,” said Sen. Bond.

Introduction of legislation with the same language on the same day by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives is a rare occurrence. With identical language, the bill is more likely to move quickly through the legislative process.

The legislation is supported by an alliance of industry organizations: The Vision Council, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the Better Vision Institute, the National Association of Vision Care Plans, the National School Nurses
Association, Prevent Blindness America, Reading Is Fundamental and Vision Service Plan.

“We applaud our Congressional leaders for their unwavering commitment to the ‘Vision Care for Kids Act.’ Over the past few years they have worked tirelessly to ensure that all children receive the vision care they need,” said Greene. “Their leadership has been instrumental in bringing this legislation to where it is today and we look forward to working with each of them on passing the bill.”

The Vision Council encourages all members of the vision community to contact their congressman and ask him or her to support this legislation. For more information on the “Vision Care for Kids Act of 2009” or to write to your congressman, visit www.2020advocacy.com.