2020:
Make this The Year of Vision!

FOCUS ON EYE HEALTH NATIONAL SUMMIT - REGISTER TODAY!
All are welcome to join us online on Wednesday, July 15th, to attend the 9th Annual Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health National Summit.
This year the Summit will be held as a virtual event. A variety of presentations related to the theme “An Eye to the Future” will begin with
the U.S. Launch of the WHO World Report on Vision by keynote speaker Peter Holland, CEO, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.
Exhibit hall booths will be open to visit from 11am-4pm EST . Summit participants will have opportunities to develop new collaborations, integrate new vision health messages and procedures into their outreach, and improve lines of communication with internal and external partners through our unique, interactive platform.  Click here for information on the agenda and speakers.
COVID-19 UPDATE
MA eye doctors are now beginning to open to more than essential urgent patients. Most will have some form of telehealth services. When you book your child’s eye exam be sure to call ahead to understand your doctor's protocol for visits. Here is some information to help you prepare for your visit:
JULY IS FIREWORKS
AWARENESS MONTH
Every year, thousands of Americans are injured due to fireworks, specifically during the 4 th  of July holiday period. In 2019, 36% of those injuries were to children under 15 years of age.

Prevent Blindness and CVMA urges all families to celebrate the holiday safely without using fireworks. Children are at higher risk of injury from fireworks and overall 15% of injuries are to eyes. The  2019 report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission states that children 0 to 4 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries , while older teens, 15 to 19 years of age, had the second highest rate.

Please keep these facts in mind if you plan to use or visit fireworks this year and know what to do if there is a fireworks-related injury in your family.

Here are some alternative ideas to celebrate the holiday safely:

  • Purchase non-toxic glow-sticks, ropes and jewelry that can safely light the night for kids. 

  • After the sun goes down, wrap flashlights in colored cellophane to provide fun shades of light.

  • Design and decorate t-shirts and hats using glow in the dark paints. Add puffy paints and glitter to make them sparkle.
NATIONAL CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S VISION AND EYE HEALTH LAUNCHES
NEW WEBPAGE

The National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health has launched Vision Screening Guidelines by Age. This new site helps to navigate quickly to vision and eye health guidelines and resources for children ages:

  • Birth to 1 year. 
  • Toddlers ages 1 and 2 years. 
  • Preschoolers ages 3, 4, and 5 years.  
  • Children ages 6 years and older, and adolescents. 

Vision screening with evidence-based screening tools and procedures helps reduce inconsistencies in results.

Prevent Blindness recommends a continuum of eye care for children to include both vision screening and comprehensive eye examinations. All children, even those with no signs of trouble, should have their eyes and vision screened at regular intervals during childhood and adolescence. This will often occur at the pediatrician's office, public school, or HeadStart preschool. Some private schools and preschools do not provide vision screening.

Parents should always be aware of the results of any vision screening and when it occurred.
SHARE YOUR VISION STORY WITH CVMA!
EVERY VISION STORY MATTERS!
Childhood vision experiences - yours, or your child's or other family member - help CVMA to inform other parents, caregivers, professionals, and legislators about the importance of well-corrected vision throughout childhood.

Has your child, or have you, had a childhood vision experience you would like to share? 
Please send us an email if you are willing to share your story. Your stories also help us highlight potential areas for state improvement and advocacy.

Read Josh's story here .
NEWS FROM CVMA PARTNERS
On July 10, 2020 from 9:00am to 10:30am ET, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind will host a Virtual Town Hall. Updates, tips, techniques and resources related to new Assistive Technology will be shared.

Click here for the Zoom meeting link.
Want to be a part of our effort? Join our Facebook Children's Vision MA Advocacy Group
To support the work of Children's Vision Massachusetts, please consider making a DONATION