MS HB78

Requires all students enrolling in kindergarten, first grade, or for the first time in Mississippi public, private, or parochial schools to have a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, effective July 1, 2012.

Parents or guardians must present evidence of a passing eye exam within six months to school health personnel within 30 days of the school year start.

Mandates the State Board of Health to establish examination standards including visual acuity, ocular alignment, refraction, and dilated fundus examination by July 1, 2012.

Requires eye doctors to submit written reports to parents, guardians, and the student's primary health care provider with findings, diagnoses, treatment recommendations, and educational adjustments needed.

Establishes a six-member advisory committee comprised of optometrists and ophthalmologists to review eye examination procedures and vision screening services; authorizes the State Department of Health to fund uncovered examination costs up to the state Medicaid reimbursement rate.