ID# 284:
National Committee for the Prevention of Blindness
Date:
Circa 1925
Pages: (1|2|3)
Source:
American Philosophical Society, ERO, MSC77,SerX,Box3: Harry H. Laughlin

National Committee for the Prevention of Blindness

Preventable Blindness Among the various causes of blindness or impaired vision the chief ones are: Congenital Defects Babies' Sore Eyes (Ophthalmia Neonatorum) Trachoma Eye Injuries Ulcers of the Eye (Phylyctenular Keratitis) Measles, Scarlet Fever, and Other Dangerous Diseases Interstitial Keratitis Atrophy of the Optic Nerve Glaucoma Cataract Wood Alcohol Poisoning Occupational Diseases Progressive Nearsightedness Eye-strain Excessive Use of Tobacco and Alcohol Various Ocular Defects Cases of blindness from some of these causes are always preventable, and cases arising from others may often or nearly always be prevented. The notion that all blindness is a sad but inevitable dispensation of Providence, to be met with resignation or supine acceptance, needs still the correction of educated common sense. The Committee's Program Service which the Committee proposes to render is included under the following heads: 1. Preparation of circulars of information and literature for general distribution and furnishing these at nominal cost to workers for the conservation of vision. 2. Making available the latest authentic information relative to this special subject. 3. Collecting and rendering available for general use a library of literature, photographs, lantern slides, exhibits, et cetera. 4. Rendering assistance and expert advice in formation of societies and associations for the prevention of blindness and in the maintenance and advancement of those already formed. 5. Promoting legislation for improving the means of preventing blindness and impaired vision. 6. Publishing from time to time news of the movement for the encouragement and information of those engaged in this work. Co-Operation In seeking to effect its objects the Committee proposes co-operation with all individuals and organizations, both official and voluntary, whomever and wherever it can serve and be served by them. To cultivate a spirit of helpfulness is to be the Committee's enduring purpose. It invites the assistance of all persons interested in it special subjects and of all organizations for social improvement. In carrying forward its work the Committee has published pamphlets dealing with most of the causes of preventable blindness; has made a loan collection of lantern slides of more than 500 titles; has served nearly every state in the Union and several foreign countries; and publishes five times a year the NEWS LETTER, sent free to all interested persons. Edward M. Van Cleve, Managing Director Mrs. Winifred Hathaway, Secretary George L. Berry, Field Secretary [illegible margin text]

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