Although Members of Congress have left Capitol Hill for “August Recess”, The Vision Council continues to utilize recess opportunities for local meetings between The Vision Council member companies and their Congressional delegations. Earlier this week, Hoya CEO Barney Dougher and The Vision Council’s government relations team met with Congressman Dr. Michael Burgess (D-TX) in his local Lewisville, TX district office.
The Vision Council has worked closely with Congressman Burgess and his staff on Capitol Hill for many years. However, it is also a priority for The Vision Council to showcase the work of its member companies at the local level so that elected officials truly understand the contributions that the optical community makes within their own districts, in terms of jobs, technology, tax base and vision health. The purpose of this week’s visit was to educate Congressman Burgess regarding the work and vast contributions, both locally and nationally, that are made by The Vision Council member company Hoya, located squarely within Burgess’ 26th district of Texas.
The Vision Council’s ongoing efforts to bridge relationships between member companies and their elected officials have involved a variety of grassroots campaigns. During the most recent spring Congressional recess, The Vision Council organized visits for two Members of Congress to tour local member facilities based in their California Congressional districts (California Accessories in Oakland, and Shamir Insights in San Diego). The Vision Council also facilitated meetings with member company leadership and senior political appointees to California Governor Brown (D-CA).
Both nationally on Capitol Hill, within the federal agencies, and back home in the local districts and states, The Vision Council strives to educate, cultivate and strengthen key relationships with elected officials and decision-makers that have oversight of the optical industry. It remains imperative and an important goal for The Vision Council to serve as the go-to expert and resource for all policymakers interested in the eyewear frame and lens community.
Serving as the global voice for vision care products and services, The Vision Council represents the manufacturers and suppliers of the optical industry through education, advocacy and consumer outreach. By sharing the latest in eyewear trends, advances in technology and advice from eyewear experts, The Vision Council serves as a resource to the public looking to learn more about options in eyeglasses and sunglasses.
