NECO recently participated in a Congressional briefing to support the Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children (EDVI) Act. Dr. Stacy Lyons joined other experts on World Sight Day to advocate for this bipartisan legislation, which aims to improve pediatric vision care through grant programs and standardized screening protocols.
The New England College of Optometry (NECO) continues to strengthen its support of Prevent Blindness in advocating for crucial children’s health legislation. NECO Professor Dr. Stacy Lyons, Chair for the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health, joined other vision experts at a recent Congressional briefing to advocate for the EDVI Act.
Understanding the EDVI Act
The EDVI Act represents a landmark effort to address gaps in pediatric vision care across the United States. The bipartisan legislation aims to establish a comprehensive framework for early vision screening and follow-up care. This framework would ensure any vision problems that are detected can be treated during critical development.
Key provisions of the Act include:
- Creating a dedicated grant program to support state-level vision screening initiatives
- Establishing standardized protocols for comprehensive vision and eye health programs in schools
- Enhancing data collection and surveillance systems to track childhood vision issues
- Supporting professional development for healthcare providers and school personnel involved in vision screening
- Improving coordination between education and healthcare systems to ensure children receive necessary follow-up care
- Addressing disparities in access to pediatric vision care across different communities
The briefing was organized by Prevent Blindness where key stakeholders discussed the critical importance of early vision detection and intervention in children. Dr. Lyons joined a distinguished panel of speakers, including the CDC’s Vision Health Initiative, to provide expert testimony on the significance of this legislation.
“Early detection of vision problems is crucial for a child’s development and academic success,” said Dr. Lyons. “The EDVI Act represents a significant step forward in ensuring all children have access to comprehensive vision care.”
Building Momentum for Change
The collaboration between NECO and Prevent Blindness has contributed to growing support for the EDVI Act. The bill now holds endorsements from 93 organizations nationwide and has 10 bipartisan co-sponsors in the House of Representatives. The bill received strong backing from Congressional Vision Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), who shared personal insights on vision loss and the importance of early intervention.
Looking Ahead
As Congress works to finalize appropriations for FY 2025, NECO and Prevent Blindness continue to advocate for increased funding for vision health programs. This includes the expansion of the CDC’s Vision Health Initiative to strengthen national-level surveillance of vision loss and eye disease.
The partnership between NECO and Prevent Blindness exemplifies the power of collaboration between academic institutions and advocacy organizations in advancing public health policy. Together, we continue to work towards ensuring that children’s vision health remains a priority in national healthcare policy.
How to Support the EDVI Act
- Visit the EDVI Act Legislative Action Center to contact Congress
- Follow updates from Prevent Blindness for new advocacy opportunities
- Join the growing coalition of organizations endorsing the bill
- Share personal experiences and clinical evidence that demonstrate the importance of early vision screening
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