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LeeAnn Barrett, O.D.
Interim Executive Director
Missouri Optometric Association
100 E. High Street
Suite 301
Jefferson City, MO
65101
P: 573/635-6151
F: 573/635-7989
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will the screening by a pediatrician or other medical professional meet this requirement?
SB16 requires a complete eye examination that must include "subjective refraction to best visual acuity". Most pediatricians or family practice physicians will not have the equipment in their office to complete this part of the examination.
2. What is the difference between a screening and an examination?
An examination is much more extensive than a screening. Specialized equipment
and the professional specialty training of the optometrist and or ophthalmologist enable him or her to make definitive diagnosis of problems and prescribe treatment.
3. What happens to children of families who do not meet the January 1 deadline? Are there penalties for non-compliance? Will these children be able to go to school?
The intent of this legislation is to help identify vision problems early in children. It is not the intent to exclude children from school. The legislation does not require exclusion. Local district policy should determine how parents or guardians will be given the guidance and assistance needed to get the examination.
4. Can a parent opt out of the examination?
A child’s participation in the comprehensive eye exam or the eye screening program shall be excused upon receipt by the appropriate school administrator of a written request by the parent or legal guardian of the child.
5. Does the examination have to be reported on the Children’s Eye Examination for Schools form?
Because the legislation requires certain procedures and information about the eye exam it is important to use the form provided. This will also allow for more consistent reporting. The examinations will be submitted to the Department of Health and Senior Services without identifying information for statistical analysis. The form can be accessed on the Missouri Optometric Association and Missouri Association of School Nurses’ website.
6. Will the Children’s Vision Commission provide a standard letter for district to give parents or a standard opt out form?
Each school district will need to develop a policy and procedure for this legislation for their school district. The Children’s Vision Commission will provide the eye examination and screening forms, and determine screening procedures and training.
7. Are all first grade students required to have an eye exam?
Due to the late nature of start, the Commission has determined that through January 2009, only children entering kindergarten or first grade for the very first time will be required to have a comprehensive eye examination. If the child was in kindergarten during the 2007-08 school year, that child will not be required to have a comprehensive eye examination for the 2008-09 school year when entering the first grade. However, if the child did not attend kindergarten in the 2007-08 year, but is entering the first grade in the 2008-09 year, that student is required to have a comprehensive eye examination.
8. Are students required to have the examination before school starts?
SB16 requires the examination be completed by January 1 of the current school year.
Where can I obtain more information about this legislation?
The Missouri Optometric Association has a brochure about the Children Vision Bill on their website.Click Here
If you wish to become familiar with the statutes associated with these issues, please visit
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