[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1813-E1814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       COMMENDING EYECARE AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 1226, recognizing the 25th anniversary of EyeCare America, the 
public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of 
Ophthalmology.
  Founded in 1985, EyeCare America's mission is to reduce avoidable 
blindness and severe visual impairment by raising awareness about eye 
disease and care, providing free health education materials and 
facilitating access to medical eye care.
  EyeCare America has programs for seniors, glaucoma, diabetes and 
children.
  In 2010, EyeCare America celebrates its 25th anniversary and across 
our nation, nearly 7,000 ophthalmologists volunteer their services to 
this worthwhile public service program.
  Approximately, 35 million Americans experience an age-related eye 
disease, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic 
retinopathy, and cataracts, with this number expected to grow to 50 
million by 2020.
  Vision impairment and eye disease is a major public health issue, 
especially as 2010 begins the decade in which more than half of the 78 
million Baby Boomers will turn 65 and be at greatest risk for aging eye 
disease.
  EyeCare America works to ensure that eye health is not neglected, by 
matching eligible patients with one of nearly 7,000 volunteer 
ophthalmologists across the country committed to preventing unnecessary 
blindness in their communities.

[[Page E1814]]

  These volunteer ophthalmologists will provide them with a medical eye 
exam and up to one year of care at no out-of-pocket cost. Seniors 
without insurance receive this care at no charge.
  EyeCare America has helped over 1 million people since its inception 
and is one of the largest public service programs of its kind in 
American medicine today.
  I'd like to thank Rep. Whitfield, Chairman Pallone, Chairman Waxman, 
and Ranking Member Barton for their support and assistance in moving 
this bipartisan resolution.

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