[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 121 (Tuesday, July 25, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     IMPORTANT FINDINGS ON VISION IMPAIRMENT AMONG OLDER AMERICANS

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 1995
  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of 
my colleagues new findings on a problem that affects millions of 
middle-aged and older Americans: impaired vision.
  Recently, The Lighthouse, Inc.--a vision rehabilitation 
organization--commissioned a poll on vision loss which was conducted by 
Louis Harris and Associates. As part of this comprehensive study, over 
1,200 Americans 45 or older were interviewed to determine the 
prevalence and severity of impaired vision. The results of the survey 
are stunning. Approximately one in six Americans 45 years of age or 
older report that he or she experiences moderately or severely impaired 
vision. Many suffer even while wearing corrective glasses or contact 
lenses. For adults 75 years or older, the number is even more 
startling: one in four have vision difficulties. When applied to the 
entire Nation, the survey shows that 13.5 million Americans aged 45 or 
older suffer some degree of vision impairment.
  One of the most disturbing aspects of this problem is the lack of 
public awareness about treatment options and facilities. Thirty-five 
percent of Americans surveyed were found to be unaware of local 
services for people with impaired vision. Also, while 89 percent of 
those surveyed think health insurance for vision impairment is somewhat 
or very important, only 75 percent are covered for severe vision 
impairment.
  While many people suffering from vision impairment realize there are 
a variety of options to help correct vision loss--optical devices, 
adaptive aids, and rehabilitation--the Lighthouse survey shows that all 
of these options are under-utilized. Clearly, in combating vision 
impairment, one of our first targets must be to wipe out widespread 
ignorance about a problem that afflicts one in six Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, as the Lighthouse study shows, we must take steps to 
guarantee that Americans can see with clarity. Such steps will improve 
the health, productivity and quality of life for millions of Americans. 
I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the efforts of the 
Lighthouse, Inc. and to urge further action on this important topic.


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