Children's Eye Foundation Partners with Alcon to Save Sight in Fort Worth, Texas
The Children's Eye Foundation announces the launch of its national vision screening program, See by Three. The program advocates effective vision screening of children in the "medical home," any pediatrician's office, so they will "see by three
Online, October 22, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Fort Worth Chosen as Site for Groundbreaking Vision Screening Project
Fort Worth-based Alcon Partners with Children's Eye Foundation to Save Sight
Program Will Screen 26,000, Contribute $146 Million in Community Productivity
Key Objective: to provide a region with the tools and resources to eliminate preventable blindness
Dallas/Ft. Worth: The Children's Eye Foundation announces the launch of its national vision screening program, See by Three in Fort Worth. The program advocates effective screening of children in what's called the "medical home," that is any pediatrician's office or health clinic so they will "see by three."
See by Three in Tarrant County will:
•Train more than 300 medical professionals on effective vision screening techniques
•Educate parents on the need for early detection and treatment of eye disorders
•Support the referral model for children who require treatment
Dr. Denise Chamblee, Children's Eye Foundation vice president, said, "A few years ago, See by Three was implemented in West Virginia and Florida and we've learned quite a bit from those two projects. We will now take what we've learned and apply it to ensure that the children of Fort Worth have the chance to see the world more clearly."
Dr. Chamblee goes on to say that, "This program is powerful because of the long-term continuous benefit it provides in the communities where it is implemented. Long after the program has formally ended, the trained medical professionals will continue to screen children and save their sight."
Sara Woodward, Alcon's director of humanitarian and community services, says "Over 13 million children worldwide have vision problems and cannot see properly. Some need glasses and others have more serious, but correctable problems. It is startling to realize that children in the United States are part of that number. Many parents are unaware that their children are visually impaired. Alcon is pleased to be able to support See by Three, especially in our local Tarrant County community. Our shared passion for eye care and saving sight makes The Children's Eye Foundation an ideal partner and we're excited to play a role this impactful program."
Thomas Rogers, Children's Eye Foundation executive director, goes on to say, "We are very appreciative of Alcon's ongoing commitment to See by Three and their focus on improving the sight of children. The Children's Eye Foundation takes seriously its mission - to eliminate preventable blindness in children, and will continue to be good stewards of Alcon's support. Vision disorders such as amblyopia reduce a person's lifetime productivity by about $141,000. By detecting and treating vision disorders in children, See by Three will serve as an economic engine for the Fort Worth community."
The Children's Eye Foundation is building a coalition of medical professionals and community partners to ensure the children of Tarrant County have the opportunity to see the world clearly. If you are interested in participating in this coalition, contact us at info@childrenseyefoundation.org
About the Children's Eye Foundation
The CEF promotes the prevention, treatment, research, and public awareness of children's eye diseases and disorders, including strabismus and amblyopia.
The mission of the CEF is to eliminate preventable blindness in children.
The CEF is the official Foundation of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS). AAPOS is the largest physician organization in the world dedicated to children's eye care and adults with strabismus. There are currently more than 1,200 members of AAPOS, representing 41 countries.
For more information, contact Thomas Rogers, CEF Executive Director at t.rogers@childrenseyefoundation.org.
About Alcon
Alcon, Inc. is the world's leading eye care company, with sales of approximately $6.5 billion in 2009. Alcon, which has been dedicated to the ophthalmic industry for 65 years, researches, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contacts lens solutions and other vision care products that treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye. Alcon operates in 75 countries and sells products in 180 markets. For more information on Alcon, Inc., visit the Company's web site at www.alcon.com.
SOURCE Children's Eye Foundation: www.childrenseyefoundation.org.