SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 18
(By Senators Jackson, Plymale, Boley, Bowman, Caldwell, Edgell,
Helmick, Hunter, Minear, Mitchell, Oliverio and Unger)
[Originating in the Committee on Education; reported February 13,
2002.]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance make a
study of requiring, as a condition of admittance, that every
child entering elementary school receive a comprehensive
vision examination from a licensed optometrist or
ophthalmologist; make a study of requiring that any
impairments or problems found be corrected or handled
appropriately; and make a study of methods for children of
families of limited means to receive the examination and to
correct or handle appropriately impairments or problems found.
Whereas, An undetected and uncorrected vision impairment is a
serious threat to the educational success of a child; and
Whereas, The educational failure of every child has a profound
impact on the economic well-being of our state and its people; and
Whereas, Many families cannot afford to pay for their child's
comprehensive vision examination; and
Whereas, There exist a number of programs which may be
available to assist eligible families in securing initial vision
examinations or in correcting vision impairment; and
Whereas, The eligibility requirements for providing assistance
to needy families is undetermined; and
Whereas, The cost of securing the initial vision examinations
as well as correcting the impairment or handling a vision-related
problem is undetermined; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to make a study of requiring, as a condition of
admittance, that every child entering elementary school receive a
comprehensive vision examination from a licensed optometrist or
ophthalmologist; make a study of requiring that any impairments or
problems found be corrected or handled appropriately; and make a
study of methods for children of families of limited means to
receive the examination and to correct or handle appropriately
impairments or problems found; and, be it
Further Resolved, That, if the study determines that a program
is advisable, the study also shall recommend what the elements of
the program should be, including, but not limited to:
(1) The appropriate charge to allow optometrists or
ophthalmologists to charge patients receiving an examination for
the purpose of meeting the requirement;
(2) Eligibility requirements for obtaining assistance in
getting the examination as well as any treatment, if necessary; and
(3) The extent to which vision correction or treatment should
be provided; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2003, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.