Prevent Blindness has recognized US Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-Florida) and Marc Veasey (D-Texas) with its Congressional Visionary Award for their efforts to advance vision and eye health policy, increase funding for eyecare programs, and expand access to vision care. The award was presented June 9 during the Congressional Vision Caucus Reception at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., which Prevent Blindness hosted.

Representatives Bilirakis and Veasey are cochairs for the bipartisan Congressional Vision Caucus, which promotes national dialogue and policy related to vision impairment, prevention, research, and access to treatment and rehabilitation. Prevent Blindness said it helped establish the caucus and continues to work closely with its members.

According to Prevent Blindness, Bilirakis and Veasey have supported securing federal funding for the Vision and Eye Health Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as leading the development of the Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children (EDVI) Act (H.R. 2527). The EDVI Act is designed to establish grants for states and communities to improve systems for early identification of childhood vision problems, care coordination, and referrals to vision rehabilitation services. It was first introduced in the US House of Representatives in May 2024 and reintroduced in March 2025. Prevent Blindness said the legislation has been endorsed by 115 organizations nationwide, and advocacy efforts are underway to secure companion legislation in the US Senate.