MN SF812

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 in writing.

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

Requires applicants to submit plans detailing participating schools, vision therapy providers, methods for evaluating vision and reading skills before and after therapy, student monitoring processes, and additional reading interventions available post-therapy.

Directs the Commissioner of Education to evaluate the pilot project and report findings to the legislature by January 15, 2018, including assessment of how many students with IEPs no longer need them after receiving comprehensive eye exams and vision therapy.