III 111th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 557 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 16, 2010 Mr. Nelson of Nebraska (for himself and Mr. Isakson) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Commending EyeCare America for its volunteerism and efforts to preserve eyesight throughout the previous 25 years.

Whereas, according to the National Eye Institute, in public opinion polls, Americans— (1)have consistently identified the fear of vision loss as second only to the fear of developing cancer; and (2)have stated that the loss of vision would have the greatest impact on their lives; Whereas the National Eye Institute estimates that more than 11,000,000 people in the United States have common vision problems; Whereas, according to the National Eye Institute, approximately 35,000,000 people in the United States experience an age-related eye disease, including age-related macular degeneration (the leading cause of vision loss in older people of the United States), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts; Whereas, according to the National Eye Institute, the number of people in the United States who experience an age-related eye disease is expected to grow to 50,000,000 by 2020; Whereas, according to the National Eye Institute, the Hispanic and African-American populations experience a disproportionate incidence of glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy; Whereas, according to the National Eye Institute, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in individuals of all races between the ages of 25 and 74; Whereas vision impairment and eye disease are major public health issues, especially as 2010 begins the decade in which, according to the Census Bureau, more than 1/2 of the 78,000,000 Baby Boomers will turn 65 and be at greatest risk for developing an age-related eye disease; Whereas much can be done to preserve eyesight 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 1 of nearly 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists across the United States committed to preventing unnecessary blindness in their communities; Whereas the volunteer ophthalmologists provide eye exams and eyecare for up to 1 year at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient, and seniors who do not have insurance receive the care at no charge; Whereas individuals may call EyeCare America toll-free at 1-800-222-EYES (3937) to see if they are eligible to be referred to a volunteer ophthalmologist throughout the United States; and Whereas EyeCare America has helped more than 1,000,000 people since the inception of the organization in 1985 and is the largest public service program of its kind in United States medicine as of the date of agreement to this resolution: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate commends EyeCare America for its volunteerism and efforts to preserve eyesight throughout the 25 years preceding the date of agreement to this resolution.