CHICAGO, Ill.—The annual “Eyes on Capitol Hill” Event will take place in Washington D.C. on March 2 to 4, 2009, according to Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindess America (PBA), which organized the event.

The annual event provides vision advocates an opportunity to meet with Congressional leaders and policymakers who are often unaware of how much can be done for the many Americans who have, or are at risk for, vision loss. Half of all blindness is preventable, and increased resources for research and prevention can improve the vision health of our population.

Eyes on Capitol Hill event provides PBA’s vision advocates an opportunity to meet with Congressional leaders and policymakers. A limited number of Eyes on Capitol Hill advocacy scholarships are available to adults and children with compelling stories to share with their legislators in Washington. Other applicants are welcome to attend at their own expense. The application deadline is Dec. 1, 2008, and applicants will be notified of their acceptance by Dec. 19, 2008. More info is available at www.preventblindness.org.