Missouri Mandatory Eye Exam Law for
Children Goes Into Effect

On July 1, 2008 a new law went into effect in Missouri requiring comprehensive eye examinations for children entering kindergarten or enrolling for the first time in public, private, or parochial elementary schools in Missouri.

A professional, comprehensive eye examination is essential for the diagnosis and timely treatment of eye and vision problems prior to entering school. Many vision screenings test only for visual acuity (clarity of sight). If a child has difficulty seeing due to eye or vision problems, it could adversely affect performance academics or athletics.

Students must provide proof of the required eye examination to the school by January 1 of the current school year. A child’s participation in the comprehensive eye exam may be excused with a written request by the parent or legal guardian of the child. This written request should be given to your student’s school nurse.

Also new this year, all school districts must conduct an eye screening for each student once before the completion of first grade and again before the completion of third grade. These screenings shall be conducted by a school nurse or other trained and qualified employee.

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