(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (HCAPS) and our Partners (Johnson & Johnson, CooperVision, EssilorLuxottica, and the American Optometric Association) are pleased to announce support for H.R. 2527, the Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children (EDVI) Act. HCAPS commends Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Marc A. Veasey (D-TX) for introducing this critical, bipartisan legislation.
The EDVI Act addresses a significant gap in the delivery of pediatric vision care by strengthening early detection systems and expanding access to clinical screenings from licensed eye care professionals.
Pediatric vision conditions can develop early and go undetected without appropriate screening and follow-up care from licensed clinical providers. By supporting state-based early detection systems, the EDVI Act helps ensure that children receive timely intervention, reducing the risk of avoidable vision impairment and supporting healthy development and learning outcomes. Early detection of vision disorders is critical to preventing long-term health complications and supporting healthy development.
HCAPS is committed to advancing policies that prioritize patient safety, strengthen clinical care delivery, and ensure that all patients have access to timely, evidence-based health care services. The EDVI Act aligns with these principles by enhancing early detection and expanding access to vision health services for children across the country, with particular attention to rural, underserved, and vulnerable populations.
The EDVI Act reinforces the doctor-patient relationship, which is foundational to safe and effective care. If passed, this legislation would promote referrals to qualified eye care providers and ensure that children receive clinical diagnosis and treatment from licensed professionals.
The legislation also addresses critical gaps in access by prioritizing rural, underserved, and vulnerable populations. Expanding access to screening and treatment services can reduce health disparities and mitigate the risks associated with delayed or untreated vision conditions. The bill’s support for public education initiatives also ensures that families and caregivers are equipped with accurate, evidence-based information about children’s vision health.
Parents, patients, doctors of optometry and health care advocates can join the HCAPS community and urge their members of Congress to support the EDVI Act at www.PatientSafetyToday.com.
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About the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (HCAPS):
The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety is an alliance formed of health care providers, industry leaders, and patient advocates working to advance high standards of care, protect the doctor–patient relationship, and ensure patient safety in the use of medical devices. HCAPS is supported by its Partners: Johnson & Johnson Vision, CooperVision, EssilorLuxottica, and the American Optometric Association.
Contact:
Madison Lamp
Director, Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (HCAPS)
[email protected] | 571-839-0493