Pennsylvania HR 428: A Resolution recognizing April 25, 2026, as "Diabetic Eye Screening Day" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 2978
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 428
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY T. DAVIS, ISAACSON, GUENST, VENKAT, HILL-EVANS,
KHAN, SANCHEZ, JAMES, SAMUELSON, FREEMAN, McNEILL, GUZMAN,
RIVERA, NEILSON, SHUSTERMAN, MALAGARI, PARKER, ABNEY,
GALLAGHER, PASHINSKI, DOUGHERTY AND DELLOSO, MARCH 10, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, MARCH 10, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing April 25, 2026, as "Diabetic Eye Screening Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes
that damages the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back
of the eye; and
WHEREAS, Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of
blindness in people with diabetes and among all working-age
Americans; and
WHEREAS, In 2021, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in
the United States was more than 26% of people with diabetes,
affecting 9.6 million people in the country; and
WHEREAS, Over time, high blood sugar levels damage the
retina, causing them to leak fluid and blood and grow new,
abnormal blood vessels which create scar tissue formation; and
WHEREAS, In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not
cause any visual symptoms, meaning those who suffer from it may
not be aware of it until irreversible damage has been done to
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the eye; and
WHEREAS, With early detection and proper treatment, it is
possible for those with diabetic retinopathy to retain their
vision; and
WHEREAS, There are multiple treatment options available to
people with diabetic retinopathy to prevent further vision loss;
and
WHEREAS, The primary way diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed is
through a diabetic eye evaluation; and
WHEREAS, In order to combat lack of access to eye exams,
ophthalmologists and optometrists across this Commonwealth are
hosting free or low-cost diabetic eye screenings on April 25,
2026; and
WHEREAS, Participating organizations include Geisinger,
Nazareth, Penn State, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at
Drexel University, Temple University Ophthalmology, UPMC,
University of Pennsylvania Scheie Eye, Wills Eye Hospital and
St. Lukes's; and
WHEREAS, Surrounding states, including Delaware and Maryland,
are joining the Commonwealth in these efforts; and
WHEREAS, Ophthalmologists and optometrists are hosting these
free or low-cost screenings to raise awareness regarding the
importance of regular diabetic eye evaluations; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize April
25, 2026, as "Diabetic Eye Screening Day" in Pennsylvania.
20260HR0428PN2978 - 2 -
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