2020:
Make this The Year of Vision!

CVMA PRESENTS AT LOWELL EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM
Over 90 Early Intervention providers, and their speech, language and occupational therapists attended a presentation by Dr. Sarah Williams, OD , Assistant Professor at the New England College of Optometry, at the Thom Ann Sullivan EI Program on February 26 th. Dr. Williams discussed childhood vision disorders, their development in the birth to 3 year old population, observable signs and symptoms in comparison to normal early childhood development, and described a comprehensive pediatric eye exam on this age group. The importance of both early detection and following through with a dilated comprehensive eye exam in this higher risk population was also discussed . A lively question and answer time followed the presentation. More information and resources for Early Intervention Specialists and families, including parent brochures in many languages, can also be found here
PREVENT BLINDNESS STATEMENT ON MEDICAID GUIDANCE
As the nation’s leading volunteer eye health organization, Prevent Blindness has consistently advocated for policies that ensure Americans have access to the vision and eye health services they need. We support policies that improve health systems, not undermine them or reduce access to early detection and treatment of eye diseases for children, working-age adults, older Americans, or those who live with chronic illness. Read more ...
MARCH IS WORKPLACE EYE WELLNESS MONTH

Prevent Blindness has declared March as Workplace Eye Wellness Month.   According to the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , approximately 2000 U.S. workers per day sustain a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment. About one third of the injuries are treated in hospital emergency departments, and more than 100 result in one or more days away from work.
Common causes for eye injuries include
  • Flying objects (bits of metal, glass)
  • Tools
  • Particles
  • Chemicals
  • Harmful radiation
  • Any combination of these or other hazards
Prevent Blindness urges everyone to wear appropriate eye wear protection :
  • For areas that have particles, flying objects, or dust, safety glasses with side protection (side shields) should be worn.
  • Goggles should be worn for anyone working with chemicals
  • For those working near hazardous radiation (welding, lasers, or fiber optics) special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or helmets designed for that task should be worn.
Take this Work Safety Quiz!
Those who work within an office setting (working with computers and other digital devices) are at higher risk for digital eye strain . Prevent Blindness recommends placing a digital screen 20 to 26 inches away from the eyes and slightly below eye level. Also, adjust lighting to lower glare and harsh reflections. More Tips can be found here
THE 'EYES' HAVE IT
ON CAPITOL HILL!
CVMA Co-Chairs Dr Bruce Moore OD, Professor Emeritus, New England College of Optometry, and Paulette Tattersall, Director, Northeast Region Prevent Blindness, and Sara Brown, Prevent Blindness Director of Government Affairs (pictured with Abby McCartney, Legislative Fellow at Senator Warren’s office)   attended Prevent Blindness' Eyes on Capitol Hill event in February. Massachusetts Congressional and Senate members and their staff were informed about CVMA work, and asked to consider the following investments:

  • $5 million in funding for the CDC's Vision Health Initiative to conduct much-needed surveillance
  • Maintaining the CDC's work in Glaucoma prevention and awareness with $4 million
  • Continue support of the National Eye Institute (NEI) to enhance the scope of research and public health objectives.

Our key advocacy tool for these asks was a letter to House and Senate leadership led by Prevent Blindness, and signed by 89 organizations.
Click here for more information about the Eyes on Capitol Hill event and Prevent Blindness advocacy initiatives.
ATTENTION:
Mass Health Providers Servicing Populations Facing Access Challenges

The Mass Health Provider Access Improvement Grant Program (PAIGP) has opened a  Request for Proposals for 2020 Cycle 2 . Applications must be received online by March 31st.
The PAIGP grant aims to help eligible Mass Health Fee-for-Service providers increase access to healthcare and improve outcomes for patients with disabilities, or for whom English is not a primary language, through the purchase of accessible medical diagnostic equipment, communication devices, and other resources. The cap on this cycle is $75,000. Apply here!
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