ALEXANDRIA, Va.—After initial reports in VMail of National Sunglasses Day recognized by The Vision Council and optical industry as taking place today, June 27, 2014, on Wednesday, June 25, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX 26th District) issued a statement to the House of Representatives officially entering National Sunglasses Day into the Congressional Record.

According to The Vision Council, Burgess’ statement to the House specifically cited the sunglass industry and The Vision Council as proponents of the campaign due to their ongoing outreach and efforts to educate consumers about the damaging effects of UV rays to the eyes.

Congressman Burgess’ remarks begin, “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Sunglass Day and to honor the sunglass manufacturers and suppliers throughout my Dallas Congressional District, the State of Texas and around the country,” followed by mentions of the District’s 24 optical laboratories, three lens manufacturers and six sunglass providers that take part in the making and distribution of prescription sunwear and UV filtering lenses in the Dallas, Texas area. “As a physician, I commend the sunglass industry and their trade association, The Vision Council (TVC) for ongoing outreach campaigns to educate consumers regarding the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays to the eye and healthy vision,” Burgess’ remarks read.

According to the statement, 26th District sunglass manufacturers and distributors will convene at a Capitol Hill briefing on the topic of UV safety and protecting eye health later this summer.

For the full remarks, or to view the formal documentation of the Congressional Record, visit thevisioncouncil.org. For more information on National Sunglasses Day or how to take part, read VMail’s previous report or contact Erin Hildreth at ehildreth@thevisioncouncil.org.