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, and can contribute to a decrease in a child's quality of life; and
     WHEREAS, Early detection of vision problems is the best way to treat and prevent permanent vision impairment; and
     WHEREAS, The American Optometric Association and The Vision Care Institute of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., have partnered to create InfantSEE®, a no-cost public health program developed to provide professional eye care for infants nationwide; and
     WHEREAS, In the state of Washington, there are over 250 participating optometric doctors who have already seen over 1000 infants under this program;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate commend the profession of Optometry and the members of the Optometric Physicians of Washington for dedicating their expertise and services to the infants of the state of Washington; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate encourage parents to schedule an InfantSEE® assessment for their infants; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Washington State Senate, Dr. Brett Bence, and the InfantSEE® program.