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U.S. Senate Supports Vision Care for Kids
Sens. Bond and Dodd lead bill to improve children's vision care

With bipartisan support, the S. 1175, the "Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007" was introduced today in the U.S. Senate. The bill, sponsored by Sens. Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-MO) - who was diagnosed with amblyopia as a child - and Christopher Dodd (D-CT), 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.

"The Vision Council of America applauds Senator Bond and Senator Dodd for their leadership and ongoing commitment to strengthening the vision health of the nation's children," said Ed Greene, chief executive officer of the Vision Council of America. "We strongly support and commend the Senators for crafting a very thoughtful and achievable piece of legislation that will have a great impact for generations to come."

S. 1175 is supported by the alliance of the Vision Council of America, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the American Optometric Association, Better Vision Institute and Prevent Blindness America. This legislation serves as a complement to H.R. 507, identical legislation introduced earlier this year in the House of Representatives and is advantageous, as it will expedite the legislative process.

"With the overwhelming support from the vision community, the Senate legislation has many legs to stand on," continued Greene. "Now that we have House and Senate bills, we look forward to working with our optical allies to help move this legislation forward."

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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.