Sen. Bond Encourages Support for Federal Legislation

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.

The legislation, co-sponsored by Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT), focuses on providing children the follow-up care needed after being identified with a potential vision problem by a comprehensive eye exam or vision screening. A companion version of the bill, H.R. 507, was introduced earlier this year in the House of Representatives.

'Good vision is critical to learning. This important legislation will improve vision care for children to better equip them to succeed in school and in life,' Bond said. 'With the support of the American Optometric Association, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Vision Council of America, together we will make a difference in the lives of children across the country.'

In attendance at the CCVI press conference was R. Michael Daley, chair of the Vision Council of America's (VCA) Government Relations Committee. 'Senator Bond's event at CCVI was an eye opening experience for me,' Daley noted. 'Not only was it a great event with the senator promoting the legislation he has championed, but it was heartwarming to know that what is done in Washington can really help children and families across the country.'

VCA encourages all members of the vision community to contact their congressman and ask him or her to support this legislation.