MEDIA ADVISORY
PITTSBURGH STEELER SUPERSTAR QUARTERBACK CHARLIE BATCH AND THE BEST OF THE BATCH FOUNDATION JOINS HOMSTEAD MAYOR BETTY ESPER AND WEST HOMESTEAD MAYOR JOHN DINDAK TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS
OF UNDIAGNOSED VISION PROBLEMS IN PITTSBURGH CHILDREN
AS PART OF NATIONAL "LIVE WITH VISION" PROGRAM
THOUSANDS OF PITTSBURGH CHILDREN SUFFER FROM UNDIAGNOSED VISION PROBLEMS, CAUSING POOR PERFORMANCE IN SCHOOL AND BEHAVIOR ISSUES
10 million children in U.S. suffer from vision problems; 30 percent will not receive proper care
70 percent of juvenile offenders have undiagnosed vision problems;
eye exams can address underlying factors contributing to juvenile delinquency
THE STORY Undiagnosed vision problems in children is a growing issue that contributes to a child's performance in school and overall behavior. Many children are struggling with issues at school and at home that are stemming from unidentified and undiagnosed vision problems.
WHAT The Best of the Batch Foundation and Eyeglass World team up as part of the national Live With Vision program to identify underprivileged Pittsburgh children who are in need of eyeglasses, and provide them with proper eyewear free-of-charge.
WHEN Friday, March 28, 2008, 9:30 a.m. Charlie Batch, Mayor Esper and Mayor Dindak will speak at 9:30 a.m., with the event running 9-11 a.m. The event is not open to the public; children will be selected by the Franklin Primary Center.
WHERE Franklin Primary Center, 220 East Oliver Road, Munhall
WHO Pittsburgh Steeler Charlie Batch, Homestead Mayor Betty Esper, West Homestead Mayor John Dindak, noted Pittsburgh optometrist Dr. Brian Pauchnik, and Pittsburgh children.
THE FACTS Approximately 80 percent of all learning during a child's first 12 years is obtained through the eyes; 86 percent of children do not receive an eye exam during that time.
More than 70 percent of juvenile offenders have undiagnosed vision problems. Eye exams can address some of the underlying factors contributing to juvenile delinquency, and can lead to proper vision correction in children who might otherwise struggle with learning and behavioral issues.
Children who do not receive proper vision care generally perform significantly below their capability in school and during extracurricular activities. Many children who are doing poorly in school have undiagnosed vision problems and, after receiving the proper care, significantly improve their grades and behavior.
Nearly 30 percent of the children identified during vision screenings as needing professional eye and vision care or treatment do not comply with the recommendations and receive that care.
10 million children in the U.S. suffer from vision problems, and vision disorders are the leading cause of handicapping conditions in children.
LIVE WITH Live With Vision is a national program developed by Eyeglass World and The LASIK Vision
VISION Institute that provides eye care products and services to children and adults in need, and raises awareness of the importance of vision screenings and proper eye care. The program focuses on children with undiagnosed vision problems whose families cannot afford eye exams and eyeglasses, and adults who are in the process of rebuilding their lives and experiencing financial hardship.
CONTACT Steve Honig, The Honig Company, Inc., 818-986-4300, press@honigcompany.com
