Bill > HB1159

This bill amends Indiana law to require school corporations to conduct vision testing for prekindergarten children, alongside existing vision screening requirements for other grade levels. The bill introduces a new definition for "electronic eye chart" and allows schools to use electronic systems to assess visual acuity, provided they meet national standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The vision screening process involves testing visual acuity at specific distances using various methods like Snellen charts, Sloan letter charts, and HOTV charts, with the tests to be performed by licensed ophthalmologists or optometrists. The bill mandates vision testing for students in prekindergarten, kindergarten, first grade, third grade, fifth grade, and eighth grade, as well as for students suspected of having visual defects. Schools must maintain detailed records of these vision tests, including the number of students tested, tested methods used, and test results. If a school corporation is unable to comply with the testing requirements, they may request a waiver from the secretary of education, which must be renewed annually. The bill also requires the Indiana Department of Health to establish rules regarding testing equipment, personnel qualifications, and screening procedures, and mandates an annual report to the legislative council summarizing vision testing data across the state.

Education

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1159/details