It’s estimated that one-in-four children aren’t regularly screened for vision problems.1 Yet over 600,000 children in the United States are living with uncorrected visual acuity loss or blindness, and millions more experience vision challenges that could be easily addressed with treatment.2
Seeking to help bridge this wide chasm, the Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children Act (EDVI) was recently reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representative as H.R. 2527.
Here’s more information about the bill, the magnitude of why it matters, and how you can take action with simple steps.
What’s the Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children Act?
If enacted, the legislation would:4
- Provide grants for states and communities to improve early detection of children’s vision issues.
- Establish the first national-level program in the United States specifically aimed at improving children’s vision and eye health.
- Help ensure that every child with a possible vision problem is identified and connected to appropriate eye care.
- Create advanced follow-up protocols to ensure that children who need eye care treatment receive it before a vision problem leads to potential vision loss.
The Myopia Collective Change Agents, Drs. Damaris Raymondi, Kelsey Guth, Caitlyn McHugh, Shane Foster and Kimberly Orr, along with CooperVision’s Dr. Justin Kwan and Dr. Felicia Timmermann, were recently on Capitol Hill to advocate for the EDVI Bill and children's eye health.
Why is the Bill Important?
In the United States, there is no unified program that specifically addresses children’s vision and eye health.4 The EDVI Act would change that by providing grants for states and communities to improve systems of care that will ensure that every child in the United States has the chance for early identification and intervention for potential vision problems.4
What’s the Bill’s Status?
Reintroduced in March by Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), the bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce where it awaits review.3
In 2022, the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act (S.4052) reauthorized a 2017 program for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment for deaf and hard-of-hearing newborns, infants, and young children.5
The bill is supported by hundreds of organizations including Prevent Blindness, the American Optometric Association, the American Academy of Optometry, The Vision Council, the World Council of Optometry, and many others.6
How Can ECPs Take Action?
The AOA and Prevent Blindness have ready-made advocacy toolkits which include social media posts, letters to Congressmen templates, and more.
There’s strength in numbers. Make sure your voice is heard on this important issue.
