Relating to vision screenings, examinations, services, and supplies for children

The person who performs a vision screening for the additional group of children as required under the bill shall report the results of the vision screening to the department of public health (DPH) as is required for existing vision screenings. The bill also requires that each public or private education program or child care facility in collaboration with DPH provide the parents or guardians of these children with vision screening referral resources. The bill requires that a policy or contract delivered, issued for delivery, continued, or renewed in the state on or after July 1, 2019, providing for third-party payment or prepayment of health or medical expenses shall provide coverage benefits for the costs associated with vision screenings, examinations, vision therapy, and services and supplies including glasses or contacts for children, as determined medically necessary by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The bill requires the child vision screening work group to review the requirements for child vision screening and examination, geographically accessible opportunities for the provision of required and necessary vision services and supplies, and the availability of public and private coverage of vision services and supplies, and to report key findings and recommendations to the governor and the general assembly by November 15, 2019, to increase the percentage of children receiving vision screenings, examinations, and medically necessary services and supplies at as early an age as possible in the state. The child vision screening work group is an existing work group established by the director of public health and comprised of eye health professionals in the state including licensed ophthalmologists, licensed optometrists, representatives or designees of leading vision organizations, and other stakeholders as determined by the director.