MOA Press Center

New Vision Screening Rules for Maryland Public Schoolchildren

Parents should note that a new law goes into effect on October 1 that changes the vision screening requirements for all Maryland public schoolchildren. Vision screenings must be performed upon entry to the school system, first grade, and in either eighth or ninth grade.

It is important that vision problems are diagnosed early so that they do not affect your child’s learning. Additionally, problems such as amblyopia (lazy eye) have a much higher chance of being corrected if they are caught at an early age.

If your child fails a vision screening, you will be notified and an entry will go into your child’s permanent record. You must then submit a form to the county reporting on the recommended services received by your child.

In order to obtain a vision screening you may contact your family optometrist, or the nurse at your child’s school. Optometrists in your area can be found in our “Find A Doc” section of the Web site.

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