NJ S2226

Children age 6 and under entering public preschool, public school, or Head Start Programs in New Jersey for the first time must have a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist by January 1 of their initial enrollment year.

The Department of Health must maintain and annually update a list of resources for free or reduced-price eye examinations, posted on its website and distributed to all public preschools, schools, and Head Start Programs.

Schools must collect evidence of the eye examination from parents or guardians, and notify non-compliant parents every three months; an examination performed within one year prior to enrollment satisfies the requirement.

A "Comprehensive Eye Examination Fund" will be created in the Department of Education to cover examination costs for uninsured children and those without applicable healthcare coverage, funded through state appropriations, donations, and investment earnings.

The bill takes effect in the first full school year following enactment, with the State Board of Education adopting implementing regulations.