Brief Description: Regarding vision exams for school-aged children.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Quall, Talcott, Haler, Morrell, Campbell, O'Brien, Hankins, Kagi and McDermott).

House Committee on Education
Senate Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education

Background:

Rules adopted by the Washington Department of Health require school districts to provide screenings for the visual acuity of all children in kindergarten, and grades one, two, three, five, and seven. In addition, visual acuity screenings must be provided for any child showing signs of possible vision loss referred to the school or district by a parent, guardian or school employee. If resources permit, schools are directed to screen children at other grade levels. Screening must be performed by persons competent to administer the screening procedures as a function of their professional background and training or as a function of their special training and demonstrated competence under supervision.

Summary:

The Department of Health is directed to convene a work group for the purpose of reevaluating and making recommendations for changes to procedures used for visual screening of students in public schools. The work group must consider: the benefits of complete eye examinations for all children; when visual screenings, complete eye exams, or both should be done; and what screening techniques are most appropriate. The work group must consult with the Office of the Superintendent of Pubic Instruction, the State Board of Health, the Optometric Physicians of Washington, and the Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons. A preliminary report to the Legislature and the State Board of Health is due December 1, 2005, and final recommendations are due December 1, 2006.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   93   0
Senate   48   0   (Senate amended)
House   94   1   (House concurred)

Effective: July 24, 2005