“Vision health is essential to overall health.”
(Press Release) WASHINGTON, DC – The National Association of Vision Care Plans (NAVCP) announced that it supports California Assembly Bill 1110 Pupil health: eye and vision examinations.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Autumn Burke, would require “a pupil’s eyes and vision to be examined by a physician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist in accordance with specified provisions, unless the pupil’s parent or guardian submits a written waiver to the school or charter school.”
Existing California law requires a pupil’s vision to be appraised by a school nurse or other authorized person in the pupil’s kindergarten year or upon first enrollment in elementary school, and in grades 2, 5 and 8, unless the appraisal is waived by the pupil’s parents upon presentation of a certificate from a physician and surgeon, a physician assistant or an optometrist.
“Vision health is essential to overall health and professional care should begin as early as possible for all children,” said Julian Roberts, NAVCP executive director. “We applaud Assemblywoman Burke for promoting elementary school access to eye exams by an eye care professional in her state.”
NAVCP’s letter of support is available at www.navcp.org.
The National Association of Vision Care Plans represents the managed vision care industry. Our members cover approximately 53 percent (170 million) of all Americans by partnering with eye care providers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.