Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H. Res. 1226, commending EyeCare America for its work over the past 25 years. The American Academy of Ophthalmology founded EyeCare America in 1985. Its vision is to lower the incidence of severe visual impairments, including blindness, through education and by facilitating access to medical eye care. Since its founding, EyeCare America has helped over 1 million people, which makes it one of the largest public service programs of its kind. In fulfilling its mission, EyeCare America has also had over 7,000 volunteers. This highlights what many of us have known for a long time--Americans care for one another and they are willing to donate their time and energy to help others. And this work has been important. Already, over 40 million Americans are nearsighted or farsighted. And as the over 65 population grows, more Americans are being diagnosed with age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts. By educating Americans on the importance of early detection and treatments, and by helping refer qualifying patients to volunteer ophthalmologists, EyeCare America is doing its part to help prevent avoidable eye diseases. I would like to thank my fellow Texan, Representative Gene Green, for his work on this resolution. I congratulate EyeCare America and its 7,000 volunteers for their efforts over the last 25 years.…”