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Testimony of John Liu, MD, on Substitute SB 113, Commerce and Labor Committee (June 23, 2021)

Summary

Testimony of John Liu, MD, a comprehensive ophthalmologist in Cleveland, dated June 23, 2021, to the House Commerce and Labor Committee in opposition to Substitute SB 113 (Fireworks Legislation and Regulation). The testimony states that fireworks are responsible for 2% of all reported eye injuries and that 20% of all fireworks injuries are to the eye. It says a ruptured globe occurs in about 17% of all fireworks related eye injuries and can require extensive surgical repair, and that one study reported up to 65% incidence of injury to bystanders. It urges committee members to vote no on the bill.

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“Testimony of John Liu, MD, on Substitute SB 113, Commerce and Labor Committee (June 23, 2021).” Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2021-06-23-commerce-labor-testimony-sb113opliuwritten-8f4d9f92e0/, SHA-256 067908e2e3635b30e8a5a61ffa5e88a78aed71bbf2b707498f44ef8a23cbe5d2.

Full text

                                        Testimony of John Liu, MD

                                     Comprehensive Ophthalmologist

                          Substitute SB 113 Fireworks Legislation and Regulation

                                               June 23, 2021



Chairman Stein, Vice Chair Johnson, Ranking Member Lepore-Hagan, and Members of the House
Commerce and Labor Committee, thank you for the opportunity to offer testimony regarding Substitute
SB 113. My name is John Liu, I am a comprehensive ophthalmologist in Cleveland; I am here today to
speak in opposition to Substitute Senate Bill 113. I am not here to speak in opposition of fun. I enjoy a
good fireworks show as much as anyone else, but I have to speak in opposition of this bill. You will hear,
or read moving testimony from my fellow Ohioans who have been significantly affected by the unsafe
use of fireworks.

As an ophthalmologist, my duty is to preserve sight and prevent blindness. Fireworks are responsible for
2% of all reported eye injuries and 20% of all fireworks injuries are to the eye. Often these are
devastating injuries that can lead to permanent loss of sight. Injuries from fireworks are on the rise, with
the highest injury rate in the 10-19 age range. In addition, injury to bystanders are very common in
these situations, with one study reporting up to 65% incidence. Knowing this, we must not in good
conscience pass this bill that increases risk to the general public.

Let me run you through a scenario: someone is transferred to us because of an eye injury from
fireworks; we are immediately concerned about shrapnel injury with possible foreign body inside the
eye and possible collateral damage from the gunpowder. Hopefully, it hasn’t been hours by the time we
are able to see them. The most devastating injury is a ruptured globe, as these can have very poor visual
outcomes. These injuries occur in about 17% of all fireworks related eye injuries and can require
extensive surgical repair with high potential for permanent vision loss. If you are lucky, you may just
have superficial injuries, such as corneal abrasions, bleeding inside the eye and eyelid injuries. While
these may be superficial, they may be very visually significant. We also must consider thermal and
chemical injury and possible fractures. These are also injuries that often require concurrent care with
other specialists.

You will hear and read testimony from my fellow Ohioans whose lives have been permanently changed
by firework injury. Not only are these injuries life changing, but also carry a high cost of care. It is our
duty to minimize preventable injuries and this is a keystone moment. I urge the members of this
committee to vote no on Substitute SB 113 to protect the health and well-being of Ohioans.

Thank you for your time and allowing me to speak on this important issue.

John Liu
10 Severance Circle
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
216-524-7377

johyluimd@gmail.com

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