CHICAGO—The initial vision screening event under the “See America” initiative will be held next week in Houston, and followed by screenings in Columbus, Ohio; Atlanta, and Goldsboro, N.C., later this spring. Allergan and Prevent Blindness, the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety group, are jointly participating in the “See America” effort to promote healthy vision, as VMail reported in February.

The goals of the initiative are to provide adults (those ages 18 and older) with access to quality vision care, as well as to inform people about the leading causes of preventable blindness and vision loss, according to a statement. Those attending the screening will receive a free Prevent Blindness certified vision screening, referral to professional eyecare and financial assistance as needed, according to Prevent Blindness.

Separately, Allergan announced earlier this week that a “powerful video featuring award-winning actor and hip-hop artist Common” had been released. The video, which urges Americans to “stand in the way of darkness,” features Common’s “striking spoken word ability” and calls on Americans to prioritize their vision, according to Allergan. The video can be viewed here.

“We cannot wait any longer to address America’s vision health threats,” Allergan’s Herm Cukier, senior vice president of eyecare, said in a statement. Cukier is leading the See America initiative. “By working together with groups like Prevent Blindness, we can directly impact individuals who are at-risk for vision problems and those who are currently experiencing vision loss,” he added.

The initial schedule for See America vision screenings are set for the following cities and dates:

• Prevent Blindness Texas—March 22, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the United Way Community Resource Center, 50 Waugh Drive, Houston, 77007.

• Prevent Blindness, Ohio affiliate—April 8, from 9 a.m.-noon at the YMCA of Central Ohio, 130 Woodland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43203.

• Prevent Blindness North Carolina—May 5, 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m., at the Goldsboro Family YMCA, 1105 Parkway Drive, Goldsboro, N.C., 27534.

• Prevent Blindness Georgia—May 16, 9 a.m.-noon, at Central Presbyterian Church, 201 Washington St. SW, Atlanta, Ga., 30303.

“Prevent Blindness thanks Allergan for its valued partnership and continued commitment to vision and eye health programs,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and chief executive officer of Prevent Blindness. “Working with our affiliates around the country, the See America program will make a tremendous impact toward protecting the precious gift of sight.”