Bill > A07343

This bill requires comprehensive eye examinations for students entering public schools for the first time and provides additional vision screening requirements. Specifically, every student entering a public preschool or school must undergo a comprehensive eye exam conducted by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist, who will then provide proof of the examination to the school. If a student fails a school-administered vision screening, they must receive a comprehensive eye examination from a licensed eye care professional within 60 days. The bill also mandates that the education department create detailed regulations around these vision screenings, including how schools communicate with parents about the screenings. These communications must include information about the screening date, clarification that in-school screenings are not equivalent to comprehensive exams, providing results in an understandable manner, and informing parents of their duty to follow up on failed screenings. Additionally, the department must provide a resource list of low-cost or no-cost pediatric eye examinations organized by zip code and update this list annually. As a further support measure, the bill requires the department to provide access to comprehensive eye examinations at no cost for students without health insurance.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7343