Opinion: Blue Light Protective Eyeglasses for All NYC Public School Children Needed Immediately

October 7^th, 2020

Richard Carranza

Chancellor New York City Public Schools

52 Chambers Street

New York City N. Y. 10007

Re: Blue Light protective eyeglasses for all NYC public school children

Dear Chancellor Carranza,

I am writing to you concerning a disturbing pattern that I have found not only in my own optical practice but throughout all of New York City. Ever since the Covid-19 lockdowns began and both adults and children began to spend significantly more time in front of a computer screen I have seen a significant increase in Computer Vision Syndrome. You may learn more about CVS by visiting the American Optometric Association information page discussing CVS specifically. You may follow this link https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computer-vision-syndrome?sso=y

Computer Vision Syndrome is a real and tangible outcome for NYC public school students that have been forced into Remote Learning. Simple symptoms include blurry vision, dry eyes, and eyestrain. If left unaddressed it is possible for these symptoms to develop into more significant issues as remote learning continues.

It is imperative that you end remote learning and resume in school instruction immediately. I understand the complications of returning to in-person instruction, but the health and safety of our children depend upon it. As chancellor, it is your responsibility to provide your students with a safe learning environment; this begins with a complete and comprehensive eye examination for ALL NYC public school children along with a prescription or nonprescription pair of eyeglasses with blue light protection to be used during their remote learning sessions. Consider these glasses additional forms of PPE to be used while online. Time is of the essence as I see and hear of increasing Computer Vision Syndrome cases every single day.

Respectfully yours,

Sam T. Pirozzolo

NYS Ophthalmic Dispenser

Check out Sam’s video discussing Computer Vision Syndrome and Blue Light Glasses by clicking here

Assemlymember Sam Pirozzolo

Sam Pirozzolo is a native Staten Islander. He is a frequent contributor to the Staten Islander, and is well-known and loved by people on both the Right and Left, in his North Shore community. Sam brings people together, instead of dividing, by speaking common sense and analyzing our island's, and city's, issues, with intelligence and concern for all. Sam Pirozzolo was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 8, 2022. The 63rd Assembly District represents parts of Richmond County. Sam has successfully operated his family’s optical practice for 33 years. He is the past president of Community Education Council 31 where he served for seven years. Some of his most notable accomplishments include the creation of a Gifted and Talented program for middle school students, the recommendation for the NYC Department of Education to hire retired police officers as school resource officers, and the successful fight for the immediate cleanup of toxic PCBs leaking from the light fixtures in school classrooms. As an education advocate, Sam has participated in historic litigation that led to the return of more than $4 billion to New York public schools. He also fought to ensure that co-located charter schools receive the same capital funding as their host public schools. While serving in the Legislature, Sam will work to support law enforcement officers with proper funding, fix broken bail and parole policies, and help small businesses grow and thrive in a stronger, more resilient economy.