MS HB829

Requires all students entering or enrolling for the first time in Mississippi public, private, or parochial schools to have a comprehensive eye examination performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist within six months prior to enrollment, effective July 1, 2018.

Parents or guardians must present evidence of a passed eye examination or submit a written waiver to opt out before the end of the first semester.

State Department of Education must establish regulations with input from the Mississippi Vision Foundation defining examination standards, including visual acuity measurement, eye alignment, refraction, and dilated fundus examination.

Eye care providers must submit written examination reports to parents, guardians, and the student's primary health care provider, including findings, recommended educational accommodations, and treatment recommendations.

State Department of Education is authorized to establish a separate vision-screening program for Grades K-12 in public schools as a non-diagnostic screening service to identify students needing professional eye care services, with funding subject to legislative appropriation.

Costs for eye examinations not covered by insurance or public assistance shall be managed by the Mississippi Vision Foundation.