August | 2026

Prevent Blindness and Children's Vision

Find out more about how Prevent Blindness supports children's vision and eye health around the country.

Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children (EDVI) Act

The EDVI Act would provide grants for states and communities to improve systems of care that will ensure that every child in the United States has the chance for early identification and intervention for potential vision problems.

Passing this important legislation would provide meaningful support for services and programs that set the foundation for children to grow into adulthood with healthy eyesight.

This month on the Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health Podcast, host Christopher Hord talks to Prevent Blindness staff members Sara Brown, Senior Director of Government Affairs, and Rachel Sherman-Presser, Manager of Government Affairs and Advocacy, about the Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children (EDVI ACT).

A partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the United States on August 12. Protect your eyes while watching this unique celestial event.

The second webinar of the 2026 Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health Webinar Series, this roundtable discussion will share practical strategies and actionable ideas for building and strengthening partnerships to advance eye care access for foster youth, refugees, and Tribal communities. Join us on August 6 from 2-3:30 pm ET.

The NORTHSTAR study is testing the safety, effectiveness, and tolerability of an investigational drug called gildeuretinol acetate (ALK-001) in those with Stargardt disease. Participants who are medically eligible to take part in the study will be randomly assigned to receive either the investigational drug or placebo during the treatment period. The study drug and placebo come in capsule form and are taken by mouth once a day.

You may be able to join if you:

• Are 8 to 45 years old
• Have been diagnosed with typical autosomal recessive Stargardt disease (STGD), a form of inherited macular dystrophy
• Have genetic test results showing at least one disease-causing change (mutation) in the ABCA4 gene

If you or your child choose to participate, the investigational drug and all study-related visits, exams, tests, and procedures that are not part of routine care will be provided at no cost to you.

Email trials@alkeus.com for more information or to see if you qualify.

PreventBlindness.org