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Highlights the 2001 proposed public policy statements by members of the American Public Health Association. Improvement of early childhood eyecare; Reduction in maternal-fetal HIV transmission with rapid HIV tests; Hospital emergency department closures.

The article reports that nation's failed to see the importance of eye health by just relying on free screenings from the organization which affects millions of Americans and prompting the public health' role to prevent sight according from executive director Audrey Novak of nonprofit organization Maryland Society for Sight. The conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma are the causes of having a vision loss, regular eye exams and lifestyle changes which could help the risk for vision are noted.

The article reports that Ohio Public Health Association has initiated its Vision Care Section to spread awareness of the importance an eye tests and vision in the quality of human life.

The article presents a discussion about the importance of taking care of the eyes. It is asserted that vision is significant to quality of life. It is recommended that an eye examination be conducted as many common eye conditions are without symptoms. Neyal Ammary-Risch, MPH, CHES, deputy director of the National Eye Health Education Program at the National Eye Institute, stated that dilation of the pupils allows eye care professionals to examine the back of the eye. Some common eye diseases are glaucoma and diabetic eye disease.

The article presents the results of a survey on eye care in the U.S. More than a third of parents surveyed on behalf of the Vision Care Institute said their child has never been to an eye care professional. The survey of more than 3,700 adults of varying ethnic backgrounds found that 94 percent agreed that maintaining proper vision is an important priority to them, and 74 percent said taking care of their eyes is as important as other health issues. Yet 35 percent of parents surveyed said their "child had not had a vision exam from an eye care professional, and one-fourth said they had not had an eye exam themselves in at least two years.

The article provides information on InfantSee, a program that provides free eye examinations to infants launched by the American Optometric Association and the Vision Care Institute of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc. in summer of 2006. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter serves as honorary national chair of the program, which links participating optometrists with infants in their first year of life for a free, comprehensive eye assessment. While public health experts agree visual development is most dramatic between 6 months and 12 months of age, a survey found nearly half of new and expectant mothers mistakenly believe it is best to wait until after a baby's first birthday for an eye exam.

This article focuses on the Vision Care Section of the American Public Health Association (APHA). The section's membership campaign, which began in 2004, has already attracted about 40 new members, according to Mort Silverman, chair of the section's Membership Committee. For instance, at an October 2004 meeting of Healthy Eyes Healthy People in Chicago, Illinois, the Vision Care Section recruited 13 new members with the help of a section member who offered to donate 10 percent of the cost of each of new APHA membership to the Optometric Foundation, Silverman added. Ian Berger, immediate past chair of the section, noted that interventions to improve vision are among the greatest needs around the globe, with about a billion people worldwide who need access to vision care.

EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is urging people to contact its Senior EyeCare Program in honor of Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day, which takes place September 21, 2004 and is organized by the Office of Minority Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The year-round eye care program offers free eye exams and vision care to eligible seniors ages 65 and older who are without a medical eye doctor. Seniors and their loved ones can find out more about the program by calling EyeCare America. EyeCare America is reminding seniors about the value of vision care through its Don't Lose Sight of Your Independence campaign. The campaign highlights all the wonderful things that people see, and often take for granted, during the summer months and also urges seniors to call the EyeCare Program about free eye exams. According to EyeCare America, more than 20 million people older than 65 suffer from cataracts, the leading cause of blindness in the country. Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day urges people to make an appointment with a health care provider for themselves or a loved one.

Reports that the National Eye Care Project is expanding to provide medical care to more low-income elderly patients. Number of people assisted from 1986 to 1995.