July 31, 2024 — Prevent Blindness has declared August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month to raise awareness about the importance of eye health in children's development. The nonprofit provides free resources—fact sheets, social media graphics, and videos—on vision issues common in children, like myopia and amblyopia, and encourages advocacy for federal funding for state and community eye health programs for children.

A new report by the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health (NCCVEH) found that only 53% of U.S. children received vision screenings in 2021, with lower rates among disadvantaged children. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent vision disorders from affecting development and learning. The NCCVEH also provides guidance on preparing children for school, eye doctor visits, and preventing eye injuries.

A new Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Education and Support Program was launched as part of the inaugural ROP Awareness Week. A comprehensive new video series features parents of children with ROP, ROP patients, a pediatric ophthalmologist, a psychologist, a ROP nurse, and family support organizations. Additionally, Prevent Blindness introduced the Diabetes + The Eyes: Vision Health in Youth resource to help youth with diabetes protect their eye health.

Additionally, the Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health Expert Series has free episodes dedicated to children’s vision and eye health topics: Children’s Vision and Eye Health, Children's Vision and Parent Advocacy, and Partnering with School Nurses for Children's Vision and Eye Health. Additionally, the recent Emerging Eye Health Issues in Young Children webinar gathers a panel to discuss the topic with a focus on myopia prevention.