Florida children need comprehensive eye exams as a standard part of healthcare | Opinion
Healthy eyes
Miami Herald reporter Michelle Marchante’s Jan. 2 story, “How an eye exam can detect other health risks and what a Miami clinic is doing to help,” underscores the vital role clinics play in addressing vision problems, an issue with far-reaching consequences. Without comprehensive eye exams, children are at risk of falling behind academically, experiencing social challenges and facing eye health risks.
For many children, a pair of glasses isn’t just about seeing clearly. It’s about unlocking their full potential in school and life. Yet far too many children still lack access to essential eye healthcare.
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind encounters these challenges daily. Addressing children’s eye health is the sole mission of our subsidiary, the Florida Heiken Children’s Vision Program. With funding from the Florida Department of Health, The Children’s Trust and others and through a network of licensed optometrists, we have provided 225,000 comprehensive dilated eye exams and glasses when prescribed to underserved children across the state at no cost, specifically 19,000 annually. These exams go beyond basic screenings — they detect serious conditions that could lead to permanent blindness if left untreated.
We urge policymakers, educators and community leaders to prioritize comprehensive eye exams as a standard part of children’s healthcare. Early detection, prevention and intervention can change lives. Every child deserves the chance to see their future clearly.
Virginia A. Jacko,
president and chief executive officer,
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired,
Miami
Sweetwater dilemma
The situation at Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park in Sweetwater is a tragic and horrible disaster. If an eminent domain effort can be made to build a park, as is being done in the city of Miami, then the city of Sweetwater should apply eminent domain to prevent the destruction of that community. Hundreds of families are being affected.
If they move out, they face possible homelessness amid a horrific housing crisis. That this was done as we entered the holidays is especially cruel. Local government cannot allow this to happen.
Many of the residents likely earn modest wages while working vital jobs within Sweetwater and nearby areas. They need and deserve protection. If bonds must be issued to raise money to pay the land owners a fair value, this should be done.
If residents were mangrove trees, this devastation would not be allowed to happen.
Jose A. Fernandez,
Miami
In mourning
That the American flag will be flown at half-staff during President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration is so fitting. We will be mourning the death of a decent, honest ex-president and the inauguration of the worst president we have ever had.
True to form, Trump has been selfishly whining about the optics.
Melissa Nelson,
Palmetto Bay
Driving rates higher
Why are auto insurance premiums through the roof in Miami?
The standard reply from insurance company representatives is that car thefts have increased and Miami drivers are some of the worst in the country. These answers should beg the question: With all the “anti-theft devices” in cars and factory-installed steering wheel locks, kill switches, smart keys, immobilizers, alarm systems, etc., why do thefts continue to soar?
As to Miami’s bad drivers, why does Florida continue issuing licenses to repeat offenders when a license to drive a motor vehicle is a privilege, not a right?
And why should responsible drivers — those without any moving violations and/or accidents — be forced to pay monthly premiums (many equal to monthly car lease payments) because the state is unwilling to penalize delinquents by rescinding their licenses for a few years?
Joanne Tomarchio,
Miami
Trim the fat
Fort Lauderdale residents are staring down yet another new tax as our city commissioners try to cover the rising costs of ocean rescue and emergency medical services. News media report the tax will be $456 for a home valued at $590,000 and the higher the value of the home or commercial property, the higher the tax.
This new tax, expected to generate tens of millions of dollars, will apply to all taxable properties in Fort Lauderdale. Those who live in and operate a business in Fort Lauderdale, like me, will get hit twice as hard. One city commissioner reportedly said, “We’re going to be in trouble if we don’t increase revenue or significantly reduce spending.”
Why isn’t the focus on efficient spending rather than consideration of an additional tax burden on our residents?
Perhaps ratifying new taxes is easier than finding and dispensing with the fat in a $1.2 billion budget.
Chad Van Horn,
Fort Lauderdale
American original
In December 1952, Jimmy Carter was sent to Ontario, Canada, to fix a damaged nuclear reactor. This was the stuff of movies. A future American president, masterminding a nuclear rescue, demonstrating unflinching courage, unique skills, incredible knowledge and uncommon leadership.
Realizing the danger, Carter had his team work in 90 second bursts inside the malfunctioning reactor. Leading by example, his team did what only “one of the few could do,” they fixed a ticking danger. To this day, most are unaware of Carter’s actions. His story was left in the shadows.
When hostages were taken by Iran, our nation wanted action. President Carter favored the arduous work, patience and tenacity that conflict resolution requires, forsaking action for a cooperative, peaceful settlement.
The mark of heroism is putting others before self, being “one of a few who could do the job” and leaving the Klieg lights to those who speak of action, but lack the résumé needed to be counted among the few.
Phil Beasley,
Plantation
Say something nice
How small and petty that President-elect Donald Trump is unhappy about the American flag flying at half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter during his inauguration.
Could he not make a reverent reference to that, as this is U.S. protocol, and cite three or four of Carter’s accomplishments?
That would be gracious and statesman-like. As a proud American citizen, I resent Trump’s bombastic assumption that no real American should be happy about this.
Gregory D. Sendler,
Miami
Unpunished deeds
I commend the Herald for the Dec. 24 online opinion, “Power and money can’t — and shouldn’t — shield South Florida men from sex-crime charges.” The Alexander brothers, Jeffrey Epstein, Harvey Weinstein and Sean “Diddy” Combs are examples of the premise that no amount of power and money can shield one from being held accountable for crimes and the way they treat women. However, there are notable exceptions.
Another South Florida man, Donald J. Trump — with the help of wealth, power and a large following of supporters who condone his behavior — may commit fraud, sexual abuse of women and an array of other serious crimes, even against the government and Constitution they have sworn to uphold and protect.
Trump simply writes it all off as nothing more than a political “witch hunt” and a “weaponization” of the Justice Department.
What lessons we are teaching our children?
Richard Mufson,
Sunny Isles Beach
Join the club
Democrats have been trying to explain why they lost the presidential election to Donald Trump. They blamed the loss on myriad reasons, then said they have to make changes to their policies to win future elections.
If they truly want to win elections, my advice is very simple: Just become Republicans.
Jay Kaba,
Miami
Buck up, Butler
Whoa! Jimmy Butler, Jimmy Butler and more Jimmy Butler!
One player doesn’t make a winning team, especially because that one player isn’t happy playing for our Heat!
As Cher said to Nicholas Cage in the film Moonstruck, “Snap out of it!”
Diane Goodman Dolcourt,
Pinecrest