[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 135 (Thursday, September 26, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S11414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MORNING BUSINESS

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, it is my pleasure to rise today in 
recognition of 100 years of significant accomplishments by the American 
Academy of Ophthalmology. Since 1896, the four major causes of 
blindness in the world have been identified and are now preventable, 
and Academy pioneers have led the way in the eradication of cataract 
blindness worldwide. The Academy's mission of helping the public 
maintain healthy eyes and good vision is a lasting tribute to its 
membership.
  In April 1896, Dr. Hal Foster of Kansas City sent out more than 500 
invitations to physicians practicing ophthalmology and otolaryngology, 
inviting them to Kansas City for organizational purposes. Several name 
changes of the nascent medical society resulted in what ultimately 
became known as the American Academy of Ophthalmology and 
Otolaryngology, and remained so until 1979 when the two medical 
disciplines split into separate academies.
  Today, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is the largest national 
membership association of ophthalmologists--the medical doctors who 
provide comprehensive eye care, including medical, surgical and optical 
care. More than 90 percent of practicing U.S. ophthalmologists are 
Academy members--20,000 strong--and another 3,000 foreign 
ophthalmologists are international members.
  Many principles and strategies that the American Academy of 
Ophthalmology founded over the years are still championed today. The 
Academy has fostered a culture of outstanding clinical and educational 
programs, cutting edge technologies, the latest ophthalmic practice 
support mechanisms, and highly effective public and government advocacy 
activities.
  Education remains the primary focus of Academy activities. Academy 
members will celebrate the Centennial Annual meeting in Chicago, 
October 27-31, 1996. One of the largest and most important 
ophthalmological meetings in the world, this 5-day educational event 
will offer symposia, scientific papers, instructional courses, films, 
posters, and exhibits designed to educate ophthalmologists and others 
about practical applications of new advances in eye care.
  In the coming years, it is my sincere hope that both the individual 
and collective efforts of ophthalmologists will continue to transform 
new knowledge into improved clinical care for the benefit of the 
American public.
  On this centennial observance, I commend the American Academy of 
Ophthalmology for its steadfast dedication in helping the public 
maintain healthy eyes and good vision. I urge my colleagues to join 
with me in saluting the members of the American Academy of 
Ophthalmology for their many sightsaving accomplishments over the past 
100 years.

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