06-R 116

2006 -- S 2915

Enacted 03/08/06

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MARCH, 2006 TO BE "SAVE YOUR VISION MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators Issa, Roberts, and F Caprio

Date Introduced: March 08, 2006

     WHEREAS, The future of Rhode Island’s culture and economy depend upon the

contributions of its children and upon their ability to learn the skills that will enable them to

become productive citizens; and

     WHEREAS, The potential for most children to learn depends on their ability to read

and see with clarity and precision; and

      WHEREAS, The combined efforts of Saving Sight, the Rhode Island Lions Sight

Foundation, INSIGHT, TechACCESS of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Braille Transcription

Center, the Office of Early Intervention within the Rhode Island Department of Health, the

Office of Rehabilitation Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired within the Rhode

Island Department of Human Services, the Office of Special Education within the Rhode

Island Department of Education, the Paul V. Sherlock Center for Disabilities within Rhode

Island College, the Rhode Island Medical Society, the Rhode Island Optometric Society, the

Governor’s Advisory Council for the Blind, and the Rhode Island Parents of Blind and

Visually Impaired Children have focused awareness on the importance of developing a

comprehensive educational and services program for Rhode Island’s blind and visually

impaired; and

      WHEREAS, The shared goal of these organizations is to increase awareness of the

importance of protecting and preserving vision in young people and children age twenty-one

and under; and

      WHEREAS, The aim of this partnership’s efforts is to have a positive impact on the

diagnosis of a variety of serious vision problems including nearsightedness, farsightedness,

lazy eye, astigmatism, misaligned eyes, and unequal refraction in infants, toddlers,

preschoolers and students; and

     WHEREAS, The most powerful tool in the battle against vision loss is early

detection. Many vision problems begin well before a child reaches school age; and

      WHEREAS, Every effort must be made to ensure that children, before the age of

five, receive an eye-screening exam from their health care provider. Comprehensive eye

exams for children, particularly for neurodevelopmental delayed children, should be

encouraged and need to be made available to all children regardless of their economic

background; and

      WHEREAS, The collaboration between the Rhode Island Medical Society, Rhode

Island Optometric Association, Rhode Island School Nurses, Rhode Island Department of

Health, and the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education makes the

state a national leader in vision screening exams and reports for children ages birth to twenty-

one; and

      WHEREAS, Millions of people with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic

retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness. A dilated eye exam can indicate this complication,

and reveal the signs of many other eye diseases and disorders, long before a person

experiences pain or any other noticeable symptom; and

     WHEREAS, Through early intervention and treatment, the vision loss accompanying

many eye diseases can be reduced, postponed, or even prevented. Early detection, timely

treatment, and follow-up care can reduce the risk of vision loss by up to ninety-five percent.

Protective eyewear can also play a vital role in saving vision, particularly for individuals who

work with chemicals or operate machinery; and

     WHEREAS, Sight is a precious gift that enables us to experience the wonder of the

world in which we live, but few of us think about what we would do if we were to lose our

vision. Unfortunately, millions of Americans do face this challenge due to complications

from low birth weight and conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, or

age-related macular degeneration; and

     WHEREAS, Oftentimes vision loss cannot be restored. However, vision

rehabilitation techniques and products can make daily life more trouble-free for people who

have low or reduced vision. From improved lighting in stairways and closets, and talking

clocks and computers, to large print labels on appliances, there are numerous products and

services that can help people with low vision to maintain their confidence and independence,

as well as improve their overall quality of life; and

      WHEREAS, Everyday, physicians and researchers make progress in the search for

better detection and treatment --- and ultimately a cure --- for vision loss. In this new

century, emerging technologies will improve upon existing visual devices and techniques,

and new medications will ensure more effective treatment of eye diseases and disorders. By

investing in research and technology, and committing to regular comprehensive eye

examinations, we can ensure a brighter, healthier future for ourselves and our children; now,

therefore be it

      RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby proclaims the month of March, 2006 to be “Save Your Vision Month” in the State of

Rhode Island; and be it further

      RESOLVED, That this Senate implores all the citizens of the State of Rhode Island to

recognize the importance of safeguarding their eyesight; and be it further

      RESOLVED, That this Senate urges professionals, the media, and all public and private

organizations, dedicated to preserving eyesight, to join in activities aimed at raising public

awareness for the various measures that can be taken to protect and sustain our vision; and be it

further

      RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Saving Sight, the Rhode Island Lions Sight

Foundation, INSIGHT, TechACCESS of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Braille Transcription

Center, the Office of Early Intervention within the Rhode Island Department of Health, the Office

of Rehabilitation Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired within the Rhode Island

Department of Human Services, the Office of Special Education within the Rhode Island

Department of Education, the Paul V. Sherlock Center for Disabilities within Rhode Island

College, the Rhode Island Medical Society, the Rhode Island Optometric Society, the Governor’s

Advisory Council for the Blind, and the Rhode Island Parents of Blind and Visually Impaired

Children.

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LC02739

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