Section 3323.19. Comprehensive eye examination

(A) Within three months after a student identified with disabilities begins receiving services for the first time under an individualized education program, the school district in which that student is enrolled shall require the student to undergo a comprehensive eye examination performed either by an optometrist licensed under Chapter 4725. of the Revised Code or by a physician authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery who is comprehensively trained and educated in the treatment of the human eye, eye disease, or comprehensive vision services, unless the student underwent such an examination within the nine-month period immediately prior to being identified with disabilities.

However, no student who has not undergone the eye examination required under this section shall be prohibited from initiating, receiving, or continuing to receive services prescribed in the student's individualized education program.

(B) The superintendent of each school district or the superintendent's designee may determine fulfillment of the requirement prescribed in division (A) of this section based on any special circumstances of the student, the student's parent, guardian, or family that may prevent the student from undergoing the eye examination prior to beginning special education services.

(C) Except for a student who may be entitled to a comprehensive eye examination in the identification of the student's disabilities, in the development of the student's individualized education program, or as a related service under the student's individualized education program, neither the state nor any school district shall be responsible for paying for the eye examination required by this section.

(D) The department of education annually shall do both of the following:

(1) Notify each school district and community school of the requirements of this section;

(2) Collect from each school district and community school the total number of students enrolled in the district who were subject to the requirements of this section and the total number of students who received the examination, as verified by documentation received from the district.

Amended by 129th General AssemblyFile No.128, SB 316, §101.01, eff. 9/24/2012.

Effective Date: 06-30-2005