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.