WASHINGTON— The American Academy of Ophthalmology, joined by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and the American Academy of Family Physicians, today announced its support of the “Children’s Access to Vision Care Act of 2005” (HR 2328). The bill, introduced by Rep. Vito Fossella, R-N.Y., would provide $75 million in state grants for eye examinations and additional needed treatment for uninsured children nationwide who have failed a vision screening.

HR 2328 seeks to ensure that scarce health care dollars are used to help those most in need – uninsured children with identified vision problems in every state. The bill complements individual state programs that identify vision problems in preschoolers and school age children. It would pay for follow-up treatment for children who are either uninsured or have health plans that do not cover vision services.

“Many eye disorders can be corrected and the effects reversed if they are identified and treated early,” Fossella said. “However, we are increasingly finding that children who have a problem are not receiving the follow-up care and treatment they need. While a majority of states have mandatory vision screening programs in place, children who are uninsured or underinsured often have few options after a problem is detected. This bill will provide the states with money to conduct follow-up eye examinations and ensure young people have access to the medical services they need to treat and correct the disorder.”

According to the National Eye Institute, amblyopia (lazy eye) is the most common cause of visual impairment in children and can lead to strabismus, the misalignment of the eyes (crossed eyes). But these problems, the most common in children, can be corrected and the effects reversed if they are identified and treated early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends vision screening to detect amblyopia and strabismus once for all children prior to entering school, preferably between ages three and four.

The Academy worked with Fossella to help develop legislation that is both fiscally responsible and provides funds to help fill the existing void in eye care for uninsured children.

“During this time of extreme fiscal constraint, we urge Congress to act responsibly by targeting scarce health care dollars to provide critical services to those patients who need them most,” said Susan H. Day, MD, a pediatric ophthalmologist and president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “As we were reminded during the recent `Cover the Uninsured Week,’ there are more than 11 million uninsured children in this country. States continue to grapple with severe budget deficits that threaten to further reduce Medicare benefits, including vision and eyeglass coverage. We cannot simply forget about the vision needs of these children – needs that must be addressed to give them a chance to succeed in school and in life – just because of the current fiscal crisis going on at state houses across the country. This legislation is needed now.” 
          
“It is terrific that the Congress is considering the importance of development of vision in children,” said Michael Repka, MD, president of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. “This bill will support screening programs in our states and financially support the necessary diagnosis and treatment services.”