Usa: Children's Vision Bill exceeds 200 cosponsors

H.R. 2238, the Children's Vision Improvement and Learning Readiness Act, hit a major milestone last week, garnering the backing of over 200 members of Congress. This legislation is nearing the 220 cosponsor mark, a critical point for moving forward in the legislative process.

If enacted, H.R. 2238, introduced by Representatives Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), would establish a grant program, available to all states, to provide vision assessment and necessary follow-up care for children. It also encourages states to educate parents about the importance of vision health.

'We are at a turning point with H.R. 2238, and need the help of the entire vision community to ensure success for the legislation', said Mike Daley, chair of the Government Relations Committee for the Vision Council of America. 'We urge vision advocates to contact their representative in Congress and to ask him or her to cosponsor this bill. As the number of cosponsors increases, it is more likely that Congress will take action on the legislation'.

The bill has already been endorsed by more than 300 organizations, including the American Optometric Association, Vision Service Plan, Optical Women's Association, Prevent Blindness America, Lighthouse International, National Association of Vision Care Plans and the National Head Start Association.