MS HB61

Requires all students enrolling in kindergarten, first grade, or enrolling for the first time in a Mississippi public, private, or parochial school to undergo a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, effective July 1, 2013.

Parents or guardians must present evidence of a passing eye examination within six months to school health personnel within 30 days of the school year start, with schools able to withhold report cards until documentation is provided but cannot exclude students for non-compliance.

Eye care professionals must provide written examination reports to parents, guardians, and primary health care providers including visual acuity measurements, ocular alignment, refraction, and recommended educational adjustments such as seating preferences or eyeglasses requirements.

Establishes a student vision screening program administered by the State Department of Education for grades K-12 to identify vision problems, with screening results reported to students, schools, and the state, and contracts let on a competitive basis.

Creates a six-member advisory committee appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House (with three members from the Mississippi Optometric Association and three from the Mississippi Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Association) to review examination procedures and screening services and provide recommendations to state health and education boards.