SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 62

(By Senators Rucker, Stollings, Cline, and Lindsay)

[Introduced March 5, 2020]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the possibility of requiring proof of a vision examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist for all children enrolling in West Virginia public and private schools.

Whereas, Damage to one or more parts of the eye or brain that are used for visual processing can result in severe or total loss of vision; and

Whereas, The National Center for Health Statistics, a subdivision of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reported that in 2016, 65.3 percent of children between the ages of six and 17 wore either corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses; and

Whereas, The National Center for Biotechnology Information and the National Institutes of Health found that visual function parameters and vision-related risk factors play a leading role in predicting a child’s performance in school; and

Whereas, Early diagnosis of serious and potentially blinding disorders, such as amblyopia, which is critical to treat before the ages of seven to nine, can preserve a patient’s eyesight; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the possibility of requiring proof of a vision examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist for all children enrolling in West Virginia public and private schools; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2021, 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.