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Sen. Bond Encourages Support for Federal Legislation

Tour of Children's Vision Center Inspires Action

Washington, D.C. (June 1, 2007) - In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of children's vision care, Sen. Christopher (Kit) Bond (R-MO) met with students yesterday at the Children's Center for the Visually Impaired (CCVI) in Kansas City, Missouri. CCVI hosted a press conference for Bond in which he encouraged attendees to support his recently introduced legislation, S. 1117, the Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007.

The legislation, co-sponsored by Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT), focuses on providing children the follow-up care needed after being identified with a potential vision problem by a comprehensive eye exam or vision screening. A companion version of the bill, H.R. 507, was introduced earlier this year in the House of Representatives.
"Good vision is critical to learning. This important legislation will improve vision care for children to better equip them to succeed in school and in life," Bond said. "With the support of the American Optometric Association, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Vision Council of America, together we will make a difference in the lives of children across the country."

In attendance at the CCVI press conference was R. Michael Daley, chair of the Vision Council of America's (VCA) Government Relations Committee. "Senator Bond's event at CCVI was an eye opening experience for me," Daley noted. "Not only was it a great event with the senator promoting the legislation he has championed, but it was heartwarming to know that what is done in Washington can really help children and families across the country."

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New Report: Employers Pay High Price for Vision Disorders

Uncorrected Vision Problems Contribute to Decreased Employee Performance

Vision disorders carry a hefty price tag for employers and result in a marked decrease in productivity costing businesses an estimated $8 billion annually, according to a new report released today by the Vision Council of America (VCA). The Vision in Business [pdf] report shows the staggering financial impact of vision problems on the economy, individual states and the workplace.

"Uncorrected vision problems are costing employers billions of dollars," said Ed Greene, CEO of VCA. "Direct medical costs associated with vision disorders exceed similar medical expenditures for breast cancer, lung cancer and HIV, yet few Americans get regular eye exams or have vision coverage in their health plans."
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Report Finds States With Weak Vision Screening Requirements May Endanger U.S. Highways

Washington, D.C. (November 22, 2006) - States with lax vision screening requirements for drivers renewing their licenses may be endangering American roadways, according to a new state-by-state report released today by the Vision Council of America (VCA). The report, Keeping Our Eyes on the Road, finds that of the top 10 states with the highest rate of fatal crashes, four states require no vision screenings after the initial license application and four require screenings only at intervals of eight or more years.