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2002 SESSION

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HB 517 Preschool eye examinations.

Introduced by: Jeannemarie Devolites | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Preschool eye examinations. Adds a comprehensive eye examination conducted by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to the preschool health examination requirements for first-time enrollment in kindergarten or elementary school. Referrals for these examinations must include names of optometrists and ophthalmologists participating in FAMIS or Medicaid.

Forms for reporting comprehensive eye examinations, to be developed by the Departments of Education and Health, shall include a statement that such examination may be provided by a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist licensed by the Commonwealth of the parent's choosing. Such forms shall be available to the public through electronic mail or websites maintained by the Departments of Education and Health and shall be used by the examining optometrist or ophthalmologist to report the results of the comprehensive eye examination.

The Department of Medical Assistance Services, within both the Medicaid program and FAMIS Plan, shall continue to provide coverage for comprehensive eye examinations, including, but not limited to, children of kindergarten age. The Department of Medical Assistance Services shall revise its regulations to offset any proportional increase in costs resulting from any increased utilization of covered vision care services by amending the period of time and frequency for which comprehensive eye examinations are available as a covered service for children of preschool age. The Departments of Education and Health shall seek advice from the Virginia Optometric Association and the Virginia Society of Ophthalmology in the development of the form for reporting of a comprehensive eye examination.

Similar to the current practice for the required physical examination, the eye examination must be offered by local health departments free of charge for medically indigent children. In addition, the current exemption on religious grounds applicable to the physical examination is extended to the eye examination.


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