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Children at Risk for Undetected Vision Problems
Report Highlights Best and Worst State Laws to Protect Kids’ Vision

Washington, D.C. (October 23, 2008) As children receive their report cards during the next few weeks, parents should be on the on the lookout for any changes in grades that could be attributable to undetected vision problems. While eighty percent of what children learn is visual, and approximately one out of every four children has a vision problem, a report from The Vision Council finds that as many as two-thirds of school-age children do not receive any type of vision assessment prior to entering school. more >>

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. more >>

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. more >>

Capitol Hill Briefing Educates Congress, Moves Children's Vision Legislation Forward

Washington, D.C. (February 9, 2007) - A congressional briefing and press conference held last week on Capitol Hill brought vision advocates together in an effort to raise awareness for H.R. 507, the "Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007." Washington, D.C. (February 9, 2007) - A congressional briefing and press conference held last week on Capitol Hill brought vision advocates together in an effort to raise awareness for H.R. 507, the "Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007." more >>

Children's Vision Care Takes Forefront in Congress
U.S. Senator Bond (R-MO) Introduces Legislation; Speaks on Personal Experience with Childhood Vision Loss

U.S. Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-MO), who suffers from permanent vision loss due to undiagnosed amblyopia as a child, today introduced the Vision Care for Kids Act to increase the number of children who receive vision care. If enacted, the bill would allocate funds for states to treat vision problems in children, as well as to educate residents about healthy vision. more >>

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. more >>

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.