MN HF2049

Establishes a competitive three-year grant program administered by the Commissioner of Education to fund vision therapy pilot projects in school districts, charter schools, consortiums, and tribal schools.

Requires comprehensive eye examinations for second and third graders in year one, and second graders plus new fourth graders with individualized education programs (IEPs) in years two and three; parents may opt students out.

Mandates schools provide vision therapy to students identified as needing it through eye exams, using interventions consistent with the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial.

Requires applicants to submit detailed plans including participating schools, vision therapy providers, evaluation methods for vision and reading skills, student monitoring procedures, and additional reading interventions available post-therapy.

Directs Commissioner of Education to evaluate the pilot project and report to legislative committees by January 15, 2017, including assessment of how many IEP students no longer required an IEP after receiving comprehensive eye exams and vision therapy.