Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) praised passage of legislation that will improve vision screening and testing among school-age children. Mack is a cosponsor of H.R. 577, the Vision Care for Kids Act, which passed the House of Representatives this afternoon by a vote of 404 to 17.

Mack said:

“I know all too well how important it is to have a regular eye exam. When I was young, my own eyesight problems caused me to struggle in school until those problems were properly diagnosed and corrected.

“That is why I support measures that will help improve access to eyesight testing and follow-up treatment for children so they can see, study and learn to the best of their ability. I hope the Senate can pass this legislation soon so we ensure that our children are receiving the best eye care possible.”

Specifically, the Vision Care for Kids Act would establish a $65 million grant program to encourage states to update their student vision screening or exam requirements and their follow-up treatments. In addition, the program will develop educational materials for parents and teachers on how to recognize signs of visual impairment in children.

Mack is also a member of the Congressional Vision Caucus, a group of like-minded legislators who believe that more attention should be paid to the potentially devastating effects of vision disorders.

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