MO HB2353

Requires every child enrolling in kindergarten or first grade in Missouri public elementary schools to receive one comprehensive vision examination by a licensed optometrist or physician, with evidence submitted to school by January 1st of the first enrollment year.

Comprehensive vision examinations must include complete case history, visual acuity testing (aided and unaided), external and internal eye examinations, and subjective refraction to best visual acuity.

State Board of Education and Department of Health and Senior Services shall establish rules for examination documentation, including examination results, cost, examiner qualifications, and payment methods (insurance, Medicaid, complimentary, or other).

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must compile and maintain an annual list of free or reduced-cost vision examination and treatment resources for distribution to school administrators, nurses, and parent organizations.

Parents or legal guardians may submit written request to excuse their child from the vision examination requirement; examination findings must be retained by the examiner for seven years.