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COMMENDING THE PROFESSION OF OPTOMETRY AND THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR DEDICATION, EXPERTISE, AND SERVICES TO THE INFANTS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND ENCOURAGING PARENTS TO SEEK EARLY DETECTION OF VISION PROBLEMS IN THEIR INFANTS.
Whereas, the most critical stages of vision development occur in the first year of a child's life; and
Whereas, undetected eye and vision problems can lead to permanent vision impairment or loss of life; and
Whereas, one in ten children is at risk from undiagnosed eye and vision problems; and
Whereas, one in thirty children will be affected by amblyopia, a leading cause of vision loss in people younger than forty-five years; and
Whereas, one in 20,000 children has retinoblastoma, or intraocular cancer, which is the seventh most common pediatric cancer; and
Whereas, undetected vision problems can contribute to a decrease in a child's quality of life, may lead to developmental and behavioral difficulties which impede classroom learning, as well as increase the costs to society; and
Whereas, early detection of vision problems is the best way to treat and prevent permanent vision impairment; and
Whereas, members of the American Optometric Association have created InfantSEE, a public health program to provide a one-time, no-cost eye assessment for infants six to twelve months of age. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the Senate, by this resolution, commend the profession of Optometry and the members of the South Carolina Optometric Association for dedicating their expertise and services to the infants of South Carolina.
Be it further resolved that the State of South Carolina encourages parents to schedule an InfantSEE assessment for their infants.
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