Allergan Plc (NYSE:AGN) has launched a new initiative aimed at fighting preventable blindness in the United States. The initiative dubbed ‘See America’, aims at improving access to vision care, increasing awareness of diseases that can lead to preventable blindness and generally making vision health a priority for all Americans.

“Vision loss from diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy is affecting and destroying the lives of too many—with cases of preventable blindness increasing at such a frightening rate,” Allergen’s Senior Vice President, Eye Care, Herm Curkier said while announcing the initiative.

National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report

In September 2016, eye health was declared a public health imperative in a report by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The report took note of the fact that there was an overwhelming number of Americans who were suffering from blindness brought about by preventable causes. Allergen’s See America initiative is, therefore, a response to the call by NASEM to encourage all Americans to give proactive eye care a high priority.

Barring a nationwide intervention, projections are that the rate of visual impairment and preventable blindness could double by 2050. This could mean that when that time comes, there will be one American partially or completely losing their sight every four minutes. This will impose an enormous burden on the U.S. economy with costs expected to be in the range of trillions of dollars in the ensuing 34 years, which can hardly be afforded given the already $20 trillion public debt.

Prevent Blindness

In its See America initiative, Allergan will join hands with Prevent Blindness in a campaign for improved access to vision care. Prevent Blindness is one of America’s most prominent volunteer eye health and safety organization.

The collaboration will see the See America initiative offering vision screening events in various places in the United States. Americans will not only get professional eye exams at no cost but they will also be advised on follow-up treatment plans. They will also be educated on the most common types of diseases that are likely to affect their vision.

On Tuesday, shares of Allergan Plc fell by 0.78 percent to close the day at $232.61.