Commending EyeCare America for its work over the last 25 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1226, recognizing the 25th anniversary of EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Founded in 1985, EyeCare America's mission is to reduce avoidable blindness and severe visual impairment by raising awareness about eye disease and care, providing free health education materials and facilitating access to medical eye care.

EyeCare America has programs for seniors, glaucoma, diabetes and children.

In 2010, EyeCare America celebrates its 25th anniversary and across our nation, nearly 7,000 ophthalmologists volunteer their services to this worthwhile public service program.

Approximately, 35 million Americans experience an age-related eye disease, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts, with this number expected to grow to 50 million by 2020.

Vision impairment and eye disease is a major public health issue, especially as 2010 begins the decade in which more than half of the 78 million Baby Boomers will turn 65 and be at greatest risk for aging eye disease.

EyeCare America works to ensure that eye health is not neglected, by matching eligible patients with one of nearly 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists across the country committed to preventing unnecessary blindness in their communities.

These volunteer ophthalmologists will provide them with a medical eye exam and up to one year of care at no out-of-pocket cost. Seniors without insurance receive this care at no charge.

EyeCare America has helped over 1 million people since its inception and is one of the largest public service programs of its kind in American medicine today.

I'd like to thank Rep. Whitfield, Chairman Pallone, Chairman Waxman, and Ranking Member Barton for their support and assistance in moving this bipartisan resolution.

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. As a fellow physician and cosponsor of this legislation, let me just say, Keep up the good work.

Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support H. Res. 1226.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1226) commending EyeCare America for its work over the last 25 years, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1226. This resolution recognizes EyeCare America, a public service program with the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, for 25 years of service. I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 1226.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for passage of the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.