LEWIS TO OPPOSE “VISION OBSTACLE” FOR HARNETT STUDENTS

RALEIGH, NC JANUARY 31, 2006: North Carolina Representative David Lewis announced today that he will seek to have Harnett County children entering kindergarten exempted from the costly, mandatory eye exam. Eye exams have been mandated, for the first time, by this year’s State Budget Act. Senate Bill 622, The 2005 State Budget Act, contains a provision requiring all children entering kindergarten certify that they have had a comprehensive eye exam within six months of starting school. There are no exceptions to the law for children who were just examined in January and there is no grace period like current immunization requirements. There is no exception to this law for children whose parents could not afford the $100 exam and did not know where or how to apply for assistance from the state. The measure, while supported by the Governor, is opposed by numerous health groups such as the NC Pediatric Society and educational groups such as The North Carolina School Boards Association. All children entering kindergarten are already required to have a “Kindergarten Health Assessment,” or mandatory physical examination including a vision assessment. Best practice dictates that only those children who fail the already mandated assessment should be referred for a comprehensive eye exam. Rep. Lewis said, “This new law places another hurdle in the path of parents. I am preparing legislation to exempt Harnett County children from this misguided program and hopefully make it a little easier for 5-year-olds to take their seat in Kindergarten this fall.” Rep. David Lewis represents the 53rd Legislative District comprised entirely within Harnett County. The Legislature reconvenes in Short Session May 9th, 2006 at noon.