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Children’s eye exam legislation introduced
A bill introduced in Congress would help identify children’s eye problems before they enter school.
If enacted and implemented, the bill introduced into the House would provide states with resources to educate parents, improve follow-up after a failed vision screening exam or help needy families afford an eye exam, according to a news release from the Vision Council of America.
A study cited by the VCA found that one in seven children in Kentucky had an undiagnosed vision problem that could interfere with learning. Information published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that nearly 10% of children who pass vision screenings actually do have a vision problem in need of correction.
Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) introduced HR 2173 in the House, and Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) is expected to introduce similar legislation in the Senate within the next few weeks, according to the VCA.