The loss of sight is a devastating event in a person's life, placing a severe burden on the individual, the family and the community. The causes are numerous but many can be prevented. Uncorrected refractive error, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, trachoma, trauma, river blindness and other eye and vision impairments do not have to result in vision loss. Even Glaucoma and macular degeneration may be preventable in the future. Through education and scientific research, preventable vision loss can be eradicated.

As members of professions with a demonstrated history of community service, education and research we are committed to apply our talents, expertise and resources to developing and promoting cures for preventable vision loss.

As representatives of the world's leading health, social, scientific and philanthropic organizations, with common missions to advocate for scientific research, improved services, enhancement of the quality of life for the vision impaired and education for the public, we will continue to invest our resources to support the development of cures to prevent vision loss.

On this 6th day of December, 2001, in the city of Philadelphia, we the members of the global vision care professions and representatives of organizations that are committed to addressing vision needs of its members and the community, declare our continued committment to eradicate preventable vision loss worldwide by the year 2020. Specifically, we the undersigned agree to:
 
*Work both independently and collaboratively to eradicate preventable vision loss;
*Support research efforts designed to yield results that will prevent vision loss;
*Identify groundbreaking areas for further research efforts that hold promise for preventing blindness;
*Earmark resources to educate the public about ways to prevent vision loss;
*Collaborate as we identify cures for preventing blindness; and
*Form strategic alliances that will allow us to work together in an atmosphere of cooperation and goodwill.


SIGNATORIES OF "VISION 2020" ENDORSEMENT

Philadelphia Dec 2001

Dr Harry Zeltzer, President, VOSH/International (2001-03)

American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Academy of Optometry
American Diabetes Association
American Optometric Association
American Optometric Foundation
American Public Health Association
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
Glaucoma Research Foundation
Helen Keller Worldwide
International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
International Center for Eye Care Education
International Society for Eye Research
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International
Lions Club International Foundation
National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research
National Eye Health Education Program
National Eye Institute of the National Institute of Health
National Optometric Association
Prevent Blindness America
Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes Program
VOSH/International
World Council of Optometry
World Health Organization