05-R 119

2005 -- H 6255

Enacted 03/17/05

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

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MARCH, 2005 TO BE "SAVE YOUR VISION MONTH"

IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Naughton, McNamara, Malik, Schadone, and Rose

Date Introduced: March 17, 2005

WHEREAS, The future of Rhode Island’s culture and economy depends 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, RI TechACCESS of Rhode Island, 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 for the importance of

developing a comprehensive educational and services program for Rhode Island’s blind and

visually impaired. Their goal 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, in infants, toddlers, preschoolers and students, a variety of serious vision problems

including nearsightedness, farsightedness, lazy eye, astigmatism, misaligned eyes and unequal

refraction; 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. 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, 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, as

well as revealing the signs of many other eye diseases and disorders, long before a person

experiences pain or any other noticeable symptom. Through early intervention and treatment, the

vision loss accompanying such 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

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 House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims the month of March, 2005 to be “Save Your Vision

Month” in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we propose that all the citizens of the State of Rhode Island recognize

the importance of safeguarding their eyesight; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge 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 is hereby authorized and directed to

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