K 698: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 9, 2025, as Sight Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 698 BY: M. of A. Ra MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 9, 2025, as Sight Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days dedicated to raising awareness of serious conditions impacting the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 9, 2025, as Sight Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of World Sight Day; and WHEREAS, World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday in October to raise awareness about blindness and vision impairment; the day highlights the importance of eye health and promotes actions to address preventable vision problems; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, World Sight Day aims to draw attention to the impact of unaddressed visual impairments on individuals, families, and communities, and encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to support eye health initiatives; and WHEREAS, This vital day of recognition is led by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and involves various activities, including awareness campaigns, health screenings, and fundraising for eye care program; and WHEREAS, Throughout the world, 36 million individuals are blind, and 217 million individuals have a moderate or severe vision impairment; and WHEREAS, Together with the observance of World Sight Day, many local municipalities also recognize October as Colobomas Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, Coloboma of the eye is a defect in the structure of the eye that is present from birth, and is common in individuals with CHARGE Syndrome; and WHEREAS, A coloboma is caused when issues occur during the development of the eyeball; colobomas can occur on one or both eyes and can occur within different parts of the eye including the iris, lens, optic nerve, eyelid, or retina; and WHEREAS, Due to the physical nature of the defects, a coloboma is typically identified by a pediatrician visually or during a routine eye exam; and WHEREAS, The primary implication of a coloboma is sensitivity to light, however, the impact on a child's vision is determined by the severity, whether or not it occurs in one or both eyes, and the location of the coloboma; and WHEREAS, Due to the light sensitivity, children may require sunglasses, tinted lenses, visors, and/or light covers in soft colors such as purple or blue to combat the harshness of overhead lights; black curtains may be used to cut back on glare in rooms with large amounts of natural light; additionally, children may require adaptations such as enlarged text, a magnifying glass, or assistive technology to access the classroom curriculum; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of this health issue and more must be done to increase activity at the local, state, and national levels to promote eye health and to support patients and their families; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 9, 2025, as Sight Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.