PBA, partners launch ‘Year of Children’s Vision’

Chicago-Prevent Blindness America (PBA) and several of its partners have joined together to launch a new initiative called the “Year of Children’s Vision” (YOCV).

The goals of YOCV include providing national guidance to staff at early childhood programs to standardize approaches to vision screening, improving follow-up for eye care for children who do not pass vision screening, providing family friendly educational information, and consulting with the nation’s leading pediatric eye-care providers to ensure best practices for children’s eye health.

PBA’s National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health, the National Head Start Association, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the Good-Lite Co., and School Health Corp. are working in collaboration with PBA for the initiative.

YOCV will extend through April 2014, and each month, the partners will provide educational presentations, topical resources, and technical assistance opportunities.

“Our children depend on their eyes to learn and view the world around them,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and chief executive officer of PBA. “They also depend on us to make sure they have healthy vision and can reach their full potential.

“With this new, comprehensive program that brings together, parents, early educators, and health professionals, we can help keep that promise to kids to work together to keep their futures bright,” he said.

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