Dr. Kara Gerger, Pediatric Resident at NECO, conducts a vision screening during Children’s Vision Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts State House. (Frank Curran Photography)
New England College of Optometry doctors provided free vision screenings for kids as part of Children’s Vision Advocacy Day held recently at the Massachusetts State House. Organized by Children’s Vision Massachusetts, the event drew more than 200 committed optometrists, ophthalmologists, educators, public health officials, nurses, pediatricians, family physicians, parents and advocates. The coalition later met with legislators to seek support for S.1672, a bill sponsored by State Sen. Thomas Kennedy and designed to build a system of coordinated eye health services for children across Massachusetts. The bill is modeled on successful programs currently in place in Georgia and Ohio. The initiative would be funded through donations via Registry of Motor Vehicle applications.