Kay Cataldo Memorial Better Vision for Children Foundation

My name is Dante' Hilton. I'm very proud to be the Better Vision for Children Baltimore Chapter Initiative Director. The (BVC), a non-profit charity has one very important goal, working to prevent and cure partial or total blindness. Our foundation offers free comprehensive vision screenings for infants and preschoolers, with efforts to prevent deficiencies resulting from amblyopia (Lazy Eye), retinoblastoma, and eye cancer.

I myself lost a parent to cancer whom was a teacher, community leader, youth advocate, and sponsor. I've dedicated myself to the welfare of uplifting lives, creating positive opportunities for others, and helping build strong communities. With Baltimore's area population being 2.7 million, BVC is making a enormous impact in the community by providing free screenings.

 

Important Statistics

Amblyopia ("Lazy eye")

• 1 in 30 children will be affected by amblyopia – referred to as “lazy eye”
• Amblyopia is a leading cause of vision loss in people younger than 45 years
• 1 in 25 will develop strabismus – known as crossed-eyes – a significant risk factor for amblyopia
• 1 in 33 will show significant refractive error such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism
• 1 in 20,000 children have retinoblastoma (intraocular cancer) the seventh most common pediatric cancer

American Optometric Association (AOA) Recommendations

• The American Optometric Association (AOA) supports early vision evaluations and regularly scheduled vision screenings.
• AOA also states that asymptomatic/risk free children should have a comprehensive examination at age 3, again before first grade and every 2 years after at the very least.
• They also strongly suggest that well-designed and properly administered vision screening programs should be used to help identify children in need of critical vision care.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Facts

• According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only one in three children in America has received eye care services before the age of six.

Please assist us with saving lives and helping our children in their field of dreams. The children are the future.

Feel free to visit our websites:

www.eyeseebetter.org/baltimore-chapter

www.bettervisionforchildren.org