Restore school vision screenings for Iowa's children

Iowa Legislature

Too often, vision problems go undetected in our children, hindering their progress at school and the pursuit of their hopes and aspirations.

For years, Iowa schools have depended on Prevent Blindness Iowa to provide training for school nurses and volunteers on how to properly conduct vision screenings, accurately detect problems, and find the right solutions.

Last year, the Iowa Department of Public Health cut funding that was approved by the Iowa legislature for that critical support. As a result, Iowa’s kids are a at greater risk of undiagnosed vision problems, which may impact their ability to learn.

We are calling on Iowa’s elected leaders to make children’s vision a priority and restore funding to support school vision screening programs. Add your name.

Media enquiries:

Jeanne Burmeister
Executive Director, Prevent Blindness Iowa
PH: (515) 244 4341
E: jburmeister@preventblindnessiowa.org

Sponsored by

To: Iowa Legislature
From: [Your Name]

I urge you to ensure the funding for school vision screenings for Iowa's children doesn't get cut.

As my representative, and a fellow Iowan, I think you will agree that nothing is more important than our children and their education. That means making sure that they are able to read, learn and play at school to their full potential - all things that need healthy and clear vision.

Prevent Blindness Iowa needs their appropriation kept in the budget to ensure the quality of our school vision screening programs - which are the most effective way to identify vision impairments in our children. Too often these issues go undetected or misdiagnosed as learning difficulties - severely impacting the child's development in the long term.

I was proud to see that these programs are a product of bipartisan cooperation, but am equally shocked that this wasn't enough to save the appropriation being cut last year.

I urge you to prioritize our children's education and the healthy vision they need to achieve their dreams. Please support the Prevent Blindness Iowa appropriation for these crucial programs - for all of Iowa's children.

Thank you,