Beginning in 2007, North Carolina law (GS 130A-440.1) requires all children entering public kindergarten to have a vision screening as a part of the kindergarten health assessment. This document is designed to answer some of the most frequently asked questions from parents about this new requirement. The law also requires that children from kindergarten through the third grade who fail a vision screening be referred for a comprehensive eye examination. The law provides funds for exams and eyeglasses for eligible children without other resources who do not pass the vision screening.

1. Why is vision important for school age children?

Poor vision makes it harder for children to learn and succeed in school. The intent of the new law is to make sure that children entering school are “ready to learn” and children in grades first through third with vision problems are identified early and provided with examinations and glasses if needed.

2. Will vision screening by a pediatrician or other medical professional meet this requirement?

Yes. The vision screening may be performed by a licensed physician, optometrist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, orthoptist, or a vision screener certified by Prevent Blindness North Carolina.

3. What is the difference between a screening and an examination?

A vision screening is a simple procedure performed to determine if an eye examination is needed. A comprehensive vision examination requires specialized equipment and must be  performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The specialty training of the optometrist or ophthalmologist enables him or her to identify and treat eye problems.  The law specifies what is needed as part of the comprehensive eye exam. 

4. Can the screening be done at the health department?

Yes.  Vision screening is a required part of the kindergarten health assessment and is usually done at a health department or physician’s office.

5. When can my child get the exam?

The law requires that the screening take place no more than 12 months prior to entry into kindergarten. Parents shall present proof of the screening as part of the kindergarten health assessment within 180 days of the start of the school year. Older children should have a vision screening whenever the child, parent, or school staff suspect vision or eye problems. Children in grades K through 3rd may be eligible for ECVC funds covering a comprehensive eye examination and glasses if prescribed.

6. What if families have not met the vision screening requirement by the first day of school?

Parents have 180 days from the start of the school year to provide proof that their child has had, within the past 12 months, vision screening conducted by a licensed physician, optometrist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, orthoptist, or a vision screener certified by Prevent Blindness North Carolina, or a comprehensive eye examination performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. No child shall be excluded from attending school for a parent’s failure to obtain a vision screening or comprehensive eye examination.

7. What if my child is under regular care of an eye doctor for a known vision problem? Will this meet the requirement?

Yes. Your regular eye care provider will need to complete the Early Childhood Vision Care Program Eye Exam Transmittal Form to document your child’s vision problems and ongoing treatment.  Please contact your eye doctor regarding completion of the form (an appointment may be necessary). You must take the completed form to your child’s school where it will be included in your child’s confidential health records.

8. Are comprehensive eye exams performed by ophthalmologists and optometrists outside the state of North Carolina acceptable?

Yes.  The current legislation requires the exam to be completed by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist.

9. If a student enters North Carolina public school system kindergarten from another state, or transfers during the school year, do they have to comply with the vision screening requirement?

Yes. All children enrolling in kindergarten are required to have the vision screening. If a child enters first grade without having been enrolled in a kindergarten program requiring a vision screening, they must have vision screening and provide proof within 180 days of the start of school.

10. Is there financial assistance available to help pay for comprehensive eye exams if my child doesn’t pass the vision screening?

Yes.  There are public and private insurance plans that cover the exam.  The exam is a covered benefit for Medicaid and Health Choice recipients. Contact your local Department of Social Services for eligibility information for these two programs. Those with private insurance should contact their insurance company about coverage issues.

Funds were appropriated by the General Assembly to cover services for children whose families are at or less than 250% of the Federal Poverty Level and who are not eligible for Medicaid or Health Choice, Vision Service Plan (VSP) or similar services, and who are not covered by private insurance. The School Health Unit within the Children and Youth Branch, Department of Health and Human Services, will administer financial eligibility, issue ECVC Vouchers to parents, and process claims for services provided under the Early Childhood Vision Care Program.

For providers participating in the ECVC Program, professional services will be compensated at Medicaid rates. Covered services include the comprehensive eye exam and required prescriptive glasses.