Assembly Resolution No. 590

BY: M. of A. Nolan

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
October 2017, as School Vision Health Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of health
issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2017, as School
Vision Health Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, New York State recognizes that vision plays a critical role
in children's physical, cognitive, and social development; and

WHEREAS, Research shows that 1 in 4 school-age children have a
vision disorder; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Education Department recognizes that
visual functioning impacts academic achievement; and

WHEREAS, To do their best in school, every child needs a quality,
comprehensive eye exam from an eye care professional; and

WHEREAS, Physicians, optometrists, opticians and other health
professionals licensed by the New York State Education Department play a
vital role in ensuring overall eye health and appropriate vision
correction; and

WHEREAS, Access to vision care is a concern for too many children,
leaving them with unmet needs for care; and

WHEREAS, More than 10 percent of children have not had new or
replacement glasses due to unaffordable costs; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Education Department is bringing
together experts in vision care to schools across the State to help
screen students, provide education and resources, and promote healthy
eye care during the month of October; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this issue and more must be done to improve vision health for New York's
students and those affected by such vision health issues; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2017, as School
Vision Health Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.