Detailed Summary

Vision Preservation Act of 2007 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the nation must have a full-scale integrated public health strategy to comprehensively address vision loss and its causes.

Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to expand and intensify programs to increase awareness of vision problems.

Directs the Secretary to expand and intensify: (1) activities to establish a solid scientific base of knowledge on the prevention, control, and rehabilitation of vision problems and related disabilities; (2) research within CDC on the prevention and management of vision loss; and (3) programs targeted to prevent vision loss, treat eye and vision conditions, and rehabilitate people of all ages who are blind or partially sighted in underserved and minority communities.

Amends the Social Security Act to include within the maternal and child health service block grant program the introduction of core performance measures on eye health by incorporating vision screening standards into state programs.

Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations to: (1) develop and offer preparatory and continuing education training opportunities in geriatrics among vision rehabilitation professionals and in vision rehabilitation among occupational therapists and others in related rehabilitation and health disciplines; (2) conduct, and disseminate findings and conclusions of, research on the effectiveness of such training; (3) develop and disseminate interdisciplinary course curricula in vision rehabilitation and occupational therapy; and (4) educate health care providers about the value of vision rehabilitation.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 10/4/2007: Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Points in Favor

(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)

Points Against

(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)