Gebhard Bill to Improve Student Vision Exams Passed by Senate Education Committee

HARRISBURG - Legislation sponsored by Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) to strengthen the effectiveness of eye health exams in Pennsylvania schools was passed by the Senate Education Committee today.

"Untreated visual impairment in children has proven to be a factor in behavioral development, academic success and issues with self-esteem and confidence," Gebhard said. "Identifying students who have vision problems early on will significantly improve their quality of life."

Senate Bill 720 would require a comprehensive eye health exam performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist before a child is admitted to school for the first time, in the hopes of catching vision problems early, or when a child receives an Individualized Education Program (IEP), to ensure unknown vision problems are not the cause of their learning challenges.

Current school vision screenings, which are performed by a nurse, teacher or medical technician, are less comprehensive than a full eye examination and can miss serious vision problems. Recent studies have shown eye examinations carried out by licensed eye care professionals like ophthalmologists and optometrists do a better job of detecting vision problems, ensuring better treatment and health outcomes.

The bill does not mandate a new benefit under a Pennsylvania insurance policy but rather allows parents to utilize an existing benefit to help prepare their students for academic success. It also does not affect the current school vision screening process.

Senate Bill 720 now advances to the full Senate for consideration.