Every vision screening needs a disclaimer.
Illinois became the first state to require written notification, before a vision screening is conducted, that states: "Vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor. Your child is not required to undergo a vision screening if an optometrist or ophthalmologist completed and signed a report form indicating that an examination has been administered within the previous 12 months."
Parents are also encouraged to have their children undergo vision examinations, not vision screenings, at the same points in time required for health examinations.
States implementing vision screenings without a required disclaimer and no required choice for an eye examination in place of a vision screening:
Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia
States implementing vision screenings with a required disclaimer and a required choice of an eye examination in place of a vision screening:
Illinois
In 1969, the State of Illinois enacted the Vision and Hearing Test Act mandating mass vision and hearing screenings for all children in any public, private or parochial school.
Illinois recognized the importance of early identification and treatment of children’s vision problems. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) vision screening program claimed vision screenings to be the fastest and most economical way of detecting most of the children in need of an eye exam by an eye doctor.
The IDPH vision screening program knew vision screening was not diagnostic and that children would be missed. Unfortunately, parents were not informed of these limitations nor were parents given the choice to provide the best for their children.
Thirty-four years later, Illinois became the first state in 2003 to require written notification as a disclaimer before a vision screening is conducted thanks to the passage of Senate Bill 805.
Before SB 805 was signed into Illinois law, typical vision screenings were conducted without a parent’s knowledge and regardless if they had an eye examination. Parents received a letter recommending an eye exam by an eye doctor only if a child failed a second vision screening. What is your state currently doing?
Since vision screenings do not diagnose eye and vision problems, every vision screening needs a disclaimer. Illinois Senate Bill 805 is now Public Act 93-0504, or “Amy’s Law.”
Academic learning is estimated to be 80% visual. Parents should be given the choice of an eye exam by an eye doctor in place of a vision screening. “Amy’s Law” gives parents that choice.
Comprehensive eye and vision examinations should be encouraged before entering school and throughout the school-aged years.
Are you interested in initiating “Amy’s Law” in your state? Illinois Senate Bill 805 sailed through the Illinois legislature without one opposing vote and without opposition except from the Illinois Department of Public Health’s vision screening program. Read a short article from the professional publication Primary Care Optometry News here...
If you would like to initiate “Amy’s Vision Law” in your state, please contact your state senator or representative and contact Janet Hughes here...
Illinois Senate Deputy Minority Leader and
Vision First Honorary Board Member
Christine Radogno urges all states to initiate
Senate Bill 805. Read more…
“I want to publicly thank Senator Christine Radogno and Representative Eileen Lyons for being the chief sponsors of the vision screening notification bill, which Governor Blagojevich signed into Illinois law on August 11, 2003.
As the mother who initiated this legislation, I am pleased you both demonstrated your willingness to listen to a constituent, as well as your ability to take action for the betterment of the current system.” Read more…
“I want to publicly thank the honorable members of the 93rd Illinois General Assembly for their unanimous support in recognizing vision screening is not a substitute for an eye examination and that parents deserve the choice of directly going to an eye doctor in place of a vision screening.
Thank you, Senate Members and House of Representatives, chief sponsors Senator Christine Radogno and Representative Eileen Lyons, and the following co-sponsors of Senate Bill 805: Senators John M. Sullivan, Ira I. Silverstein, Terry Link, Iris Y. Martinez, Susan Garrett, Jacqueline Y. Collins, and Mattie Hunter, Representative Kathleen A. Ryg, and Representative Elizabeth Coulson.
Your willingness to improve the eye care for all the children of Illinois proves your commitment to children.
Thank you, again, for your dedicated interest and outstanding efforts that ensured the passage of this important piece of legislation.”
Janet Hughes, founder and president
Vision First Foundation
“When I learned my daughter’s eye exam found a significant vision problem that went undetected by vision screenings, I initially thought the vision screenings passed the wrong child.
But when I reflect on how educating others about the importance of comprehensive eye and vision examinations has helped countless children, I realize now the vision screenings didn’t pass the wrong child. The vision screenings passed the right child...
mine!
May Vision First be an inspiration that one person can make a difference.”
Janet Hughes, founder and president
Vision First Foundation