[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 28, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H7189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMMENDING EYECARE AMERICA
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 1226) commending EyeCare America for its work
over the last 25 years, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1226
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 one 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.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Pallone) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.
General Leave
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material in the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New Jersey?
There was no objection.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution
1226. This resolution recognizes EyeCare America, a public service
program with the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology,
for 25 years of service. I urge my colleagues to support House
Resolution 1226.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in support of H. Res. 1226, commending EyeCare America for its
work over the past 25 years.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology founded EyeCare America in
1985. Its vision is to lower the incidence of severe visual
impairments, including blindness, through education and by facilitating
access to medical eye care.
Since its founding, EyeCare America has helped over 1 million people,
which makes it one of the largest public service programs of its kind.
In fulfilling its mission, EyeCare America has also had over 7,000
volunteers. This highlights what many of us have known for a long
time--Americans care for one another and they are willing to donate
their time and energy to help others.
And this work has been important. Already, over 40 million Americans
are nearsighted or farsighted. And as the over 65 population grows,
more Americans are being diagnosed with age-related eye diseases such
as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts.
By educating Americans on the importance of early detection and
treatments, and by helping refer qualifying patients to volunteer
ophthalmologists, EyeCare America is doing its part to help prevent
avoidable eye diseases.
I would like to thank my fellow Texan, Representative Gene Green, for
his work on this resolution. I congratulate EyeCare America and its
7,000 volunteers for their efforts over the last 25 years. As a fellow
physician and cosponsor of this legislation, let me just say, Keep up
the good work.
Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support H. Res. 1226.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask for passage of the legislation, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1226, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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