| Frequently Asked Questions
Why
is an eye exam being required for students referred to special education
programs?
Ideally, all
children would have a comprehensive eye exam before starting school 80%
of learning is through vision. A
comprehensive eye exam by an eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist
- can detect vision problems. Correcting these vision problems could
help to improve the child’s performance in school.
Who will pay
for the eye exam?
It is estimated
that 85%of students already have some form of insurance that will cover
the eye exam. If there is
no coverage and cost is an issue, please contact the Ohio Optometric
Association (phone 800-874-9111).
Who will perform
the eye exam?
The eye exam
will be performed by an eye doctor - an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
If the eye
exam is not done within 90 days of identification for special education,
will the student be able to attend school?
The goal is
to help students. No student will be kept out of school if the eye exam
requirement has not been met.
What
is the parents’ responsibility?
When the child
is initially identified with disabilities, the parent needs to schedule
an eye exam
with an optometrist or ophthalmologist within 90 days. If the child
had an eye exam during the previous nine months, the requirement is met.
What
is the school’s
responsibility?
Responsibilities
will be determined by each school system. Schools need to notify the
parent(s)
that the child needs a comprehensive eye exam; provide the parent(s)
with a list of eye doctors in the area who give child eye exams and
/or collect a completed form from the eye doctor.
Why is an
eye exam needed if the school provides screenings?
While school
screenings provide valuable information, they are not as thorough as
a comprehensive eye exam. During an eye exam, the doctor will look
inside the eye to determine if there is a vision problem. This is just
one of
several components of an eye exam.
How will the
eye doctor communicate with the school about the results of the eye exam?
The
doctor will complete a standardized form and return
it to the school.
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