The advocacy department is sharing below a press release. Congresswoman Simon provided a video clip for ACB's DC Leadership Conference this past March. ACB will follow this bill closely.
Congresswomen Simon and Hayes Introduce Legislation to Ensure Every Student Can Access Free Mobile Vision Services
May 21, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05) introduced the See the Board Act, legislation directing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants available for nonprofit organizations that provide free, mobile vision services for students in public schools. This renewed effort aims to directly address the needs of students in California and across the country, recognizing the persistent challenges faced by families in accessing affordable eye care.
A lack of access to critical vision care, causes an estimated 3 million students nationwide to go to school each day without the glasses they need to fully participate in class, negatively impacting their learning experience. Children with uncorrected vision are more likely to perform poorly in school and face lower self-confidence. Additionally, eye doctors see more children needing glasses earlier in their lives. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, since 1971, cases of nearsightedness in the U.S. nearly doubled to 42 percent.
“As the first congenitally blind Member of Congress, I’m very excited to co-lead the ‘See the Board’ Act with Congresswoman Hayes,” said Congresswoman Simon. “When I was in elementary school, I could not see the board or fully participate in school until I got the vision care I needed. By bringing free, mobile vision care directly to schools, this bill will ensure that thousands of children do not miss out on their education or futures because of barriers to vision care.”
“Ensuring every child can see is fundamental to their education and overall success. When students lack access to essential vision care, they face unnecessary hurdles in learning,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “The See the Board Act is a proactive solution, bringing crucial mobile vision services directly to our schools and removing financial and logistical barriers that prevent children from receiving the eye care they need to thrive.”
“More than 3 million students nationwide go to school every day without the glasses they need to see the board, read a book, or do their math homework. This legislation will support programs, like Vision To Learn, that provide eye exams and glasses to students who otherwise would not access critical vision care,” said Ann Hollister, President, Vision To Learn.
The See the Board Act would empower nonprofit organizations to significantly expand their reach and impact by:
Mandating the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants specifically for nonprofit entities delivering free, mobile vision services to students in public K-12 schools.
Enabling eligible organizations to utilize grant funds for the purchase and maintenance of essential portable eye care equipment.
Covering critical operational costs, including direct healthcare services, transportation of equipment and personnel, and necessary personal protective equipment.
The legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Steve Cohen (TN-09), Summer Lee (PA-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), and Mark Takano (CA-39).
The See the Board Act is endorsed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Vision to Learn, the American Federation of Teachers, and the National Education Association.
Read the full text of the bill here.
Posted on May 23rd, 2025