In 2005, the North Carolina Early Childhood Vision Care Program was legislated by GS 130A-440.1 and the Early Childhood Vision Care Commission (PDF, 22 KB) was created by GS 143B-216.75. In August of 2006, the Governor signed HB 2699, which changed both the makeup of the Commission and key points of the Early Childhood Vision Care legislation. The revised legislation requires all children entering kindergarten in 2007-2008 to have a vision screening.  Additionally, funds have been appropriated to provide exams and glasses for children entering kindergarten, whose family income is less than 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, and who are not eligible for other programs such as Medicaid, Health Choice, VSP (Vision for Students), or other programs. In addition, children in grades 1 through 3 who are referred for suspected vision problems may be eligible for Early Childhood Vision Care funds to cover their eye examination and glasses, if prescribed.  

The Children & Youth Branch (C & Y) in the Division of Public Health (DPH) is responsible for increasing public awareness regarding the new school entry requirement, implementing the program and related services for eligible children, and supporting the Commission. The Branch is working with the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), local health departments (LHD), professional provider organizations, and pre-kindergarten agencies to ensure public awareness, access to eye care providers, an efficient eligibility/authorization process, and reimbursement for providers.

The School Health Unit, C & Y Branch will administer eligibility, issue authorization for services, and process claims for services provided under the Early Childhood Vision Care Program. The new program will reimburse providers at the Division of Medical Assistance rate for the exam and required glasses. It may require up to two weeks for notification of authorization or denial to be received by parents or designated agents such as school nurses or social workers. The C & Y Branch has created a combined application form (PDF, 183 KB) for both Prevent Blindness NC and the Early Childhood Vision Care Program. In order to increase the portals of assistance for parents, DPH is asking LHDs, school nurses, and eye care provider office staff to assist parents in completing the application form for the program. The completed application form is sent to the School Health Unit, who will fill in the prior authorization section and mail authorizations or denial letters to the parents. DPH urges LHDs to participate in the application process for this program for the benefit of children with vision difficulties.

Ideally, vision screening should be completed at the time of kindergarten health assessment prior to entry to kindergarten or as soon after the beginning of the school year as possible. DPH needs the help of LHDs, eye care providers and school nurses to facilitate access to and completion of timely vision screening and follow-up eye examinations for kindergarteners. Educational materials for parents include the “Kindergarten Health and Safety Readiness Check List” (PDF, 34 KB) and “Questions and Answers for Parents” which will also soon be available in Spanish.

For questions or comments regarding the Early Childhood Vision Care Program please contact the School Health Unit in the Children and Youth Branch of the Division of Public Health at 1-888-663-0155.