Analysis of School-Age Vision Screening by State
Children’s vision screening requirements vary by state and in fact, only half the states require vision screening for preschool-age children. While 40 states require vision screening for school-age children, the mandates vary in terms of ages or grades when children will receive screening, types of screening, and reporting requirements.
In an article co-authored by the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness (NCCVEH), you will find an analysis of methods and frequency of vision screenings for school-aged children and readers can compare requirements between their state and other states in their region and nationally. This analysis underscores the need for developing evidence-based criteria for vision screening in school-aged children across the United States.
Children’s Vision and Eye Health Requirements by State
The information in the chart below was compiled based on information available at the time of publication. A “Y” indicates that a state has a statute, regulation, administrative rule, or other legally binding requirement for vision screening or an eye examination. Nonbinding guidelines or recommendations issued by state agencies are not included unless they have been adopted as requirements in law or regulation. Many states without legally binding requirements do have published guidance, and some provide funding for vision screening. Readers should consult the most current state statutes, regulations, and applicable guidance from their state public health and/or education departments, as state requirements and recommendations may change. At the time of publication, we are aware of several states reviewing their vision screening requirements; these are noted in the “Other Information” column.
The NCCVEH thanks our partners, Pooja Doshi, DrPH, MPH, Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University and the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, for their research of state codes.
States in green = legislation, rule, code or requirement for vision screening or an eye exam for both preschool-age and school-age students
States in blue = legislation, rule, code or requirement for vision screening or an eye exam for school-age children.
State in yellow = legislation, rule, code or requirement for vision screening or an eye exam for preschool-age children.
States in red = No legislation, rule, code or requirement for vision screening or an eye exam for children of any age.
