Take Action for Vision and Eye Health

Vision and eye health play an important role in access to education, employment, and overall quality of life. Federal leadership plays a critical role in protecting sight and expanding equitable access to care and services.

AER is calling on advocates nationwide to urge Congress to take three important actions:

· Cosponsor the EDVI Act
Support the Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children (EDVI) Act to strengthen early identification, referral, and follow-up services so children can see, learn, and thrive.

· Fund Vision and Eye Health Programs
Provide strong FY 2027 funding for the National Eye Institute and the CDC Vision and Eye Health Program to advance research, surveillance, and prevention efforts.

· Join the Congressional Vision Caucus
Demonstrate leadership by joining the bipartisan Congressional Vision Caucus and prioritizing policies that protect sight nationwide.

Send Your Message
Use the form below to contact your Members of Congress and urge their support for these critical vision and eye health priorities.

When we speak together, we elevate vision and eye health as a national priority.

Dear [Lawmaker],

I am writing as your constituent and as part of a nationwide community committed to advancing vision and eye health.

I respectfully urge your leadership on several priorities that strengthen early detection of eye diseases, expand access to care, and support individuals who are blind or have low vision.

· First, please support the Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children (EDVI) Act (H.R. 2527). This bipartisan legislation would establish a federal program focused specifically on children’s vision and eye health. Early identification, appropriate referrals, and follow-up services are critical to ensuring children can see, learn, and reach their full potential. Additional House cosponsors are needed, and Senate leadership is essential to advance this effort.

· Second, I urge you to support robust federal funding for vision and eye health programs in FY 2027, including the National Eye Institute and the CDC Vision and Eye Health Program to improve identification of individuals at risk for vision loss and expand support care. These investments support research and community-based services that help prevent avoidable vision loss.

· Finally, I encourage you to join the bipartisan Congressional Vision Caucus. The Caucus demonstrates congressional commitment to policies that protect sight, improve access to care, and address the needs of individuals living with vision loss across the country. Please email advocacy@preventblindness.org or reach out to the CVC co-chair, Congressman Gus Bilirakis to get involved.

Vision and eye health affect educational outcomes, workforce participation, independence, and overall well-being in every state, underscoring the importance of strong services and clear federal policy. Thank you for your leadership and for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
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