Senate Enrolled Act 553 Summary

• Establishes two vision testing methods: "modified clinical technique" (comprehensive eye exam by licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist) and "vision screening" (visual acuity testing using specific charts at defined distances)

• Requires school corporations to conduct vision tests for students enrolling in kindergarten/grade 1, grade 3, grade 5, and grade 8, plus any student suspected of having a visual defect

• Mandates kindergarten and grade 1 students receive modified clinical technique testing unless a waiver is granted; students in grades 3, 5, and 8 receive vision screening

• Requires school corporations to annually report testing data by grade to the state department, including number tested, method used, pass/fail rates, and supervisor information

• Allows school corporations unable to comply with modified clinical technique requirements for kindergarten/grade 1 to request annual waivers from the state superintendent, with modified testing using vision screening if approved