[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1226 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 1226

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                    September 28, 2010.
Whereas American public opinion polls have identified fear of loss of vision as 
        second only to fear of cancer;
Whereas in those public opinion polls Americans have said that loss of vision 
        would have significant impact on their lives;
Whereas the National Eye Institute estimates that more than 42 million Americans 
        have common vision problems, such as myopia (nearsightedness) and 
        hyperopia (farsightedness);
Whereas approximately 35 million Americans experience an age-related eye 
        disease, such as age-related macular degeneration (the leading cause of 
        vision loss in older Americans), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or 
        cataracts;
Whereas the number of Americans to experience an age-related eye disease is 
        expected to increase to 50 million by 2020;
Whereas vision impairment and eye disease is a major public health issue;
Whereas 2010 begins the decade in which the 78 million baby boomers will begin 
        to turn 65 and be at greater risk for certain forms of eye disease;
Whereas much can be done to preserve sight with early detection and treatment;
Whereas EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the 
        American Academy of Ophthalmology, works to ensure that eye health is 
        not neglected, by matching eligible patients with one of more than 7,000 
        volunteer ophthalmologists across the county committed to preventing 
        unnecessary blindness in their communities;
Whereas these volunteer ophthalmologists provide seniors with eye examinations 
        and care for up to 1 year at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient;
Whereas individuals throughout the United States may contact EyeCare America to 
        see if they are eligible to be referred to a volunteer ophthalmologist; 
        and
Whereas EyeCare America has helped over 1 million people since its inception in 
        1985 and is one of the largest public service programs of its kind in 
        American medicine today: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives commends EyeCare America for its 
work over the last 25 years.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.