WHAT'S THE ROLE OF A VISION CHARITY LIKE PREVENT BLINDNESS?

Prevent Blindness is the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization. We are funded by the generous support of the American public. I think that gives us a unique position as a patient-first advocate. Our sole concern is what’s best for kids, seniors, athletes of all ages, and working-age adults. We fund sound vision research projects, advocate for funding of eye health programs and services from government officials at both the state and national levels, and bring Americans to quality eye care by partnering with programs like OneSight, Sight for Students, See America, and many, many more.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF HAPPENING AT PREVENT BLINDNESS UNDER YOUR WATCH?

It’s difficult to choose just one, as we have so many different programs we’ve created to help save sight. For kids, it would be establishing the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness. We launched our Living Well With Low Vision program a few years ago for seniors and their caregivers. And, on the advocacy front, we hold our annual Eyes on Capitol Hill event, which brings constituents from across the country to meet with lawmakers about the importance of healthy vision.

WHAT IS OUR NATION’S MOST PRESSING PUBLIC EYE HEALTH RISK, AND WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?

Two things, actually. One is our aging population and the age-related eye disease that comes with it. The other is the skyrocketing prevalence of diabetes and its complications for eye health.

The answers to both of those issues are greater awareness, access to care, and patient support.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS FOR PREVENT BLINDNESS?

Prevent Blindness must continue to evolve with relevant, easy-to-access information for a variety of eye conditions and work to influence public health. As part of that, we’ve partnered with The Fred Hollows Foundation in the See Now campaign (preventblindness.org/help-improve-vision-millions-americans), calling on Congress to increase federal funding of sight-saving eye health programs. So far, we’ve nearly 70,000 signatures on our petition.

HOW CAN ECPs GET INVOLVED WITH PREVENT BLINDNESS LOCALLY?

Prevent Blindness has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with eye health professionals for decades. In fact, our organization was founded more than 100 years ago by two ophthalmologists in New York who were determined to end the preventable condition called “babies’ sore eyes.” Prevent Blindness now has affiliates across the country that work directly with local eyecare professionals, whether it be through health fair events, vision screenings, or having ECPs serve on their board of directors.

We also have ECPs who serve on our board and volunteer committees, including the National Expert Panel of our National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health.

We encourage all those who have a passion for saving sight and promoting healthy eyesight to join us in our mission!

—Susan Tarrant