R384-201-8. Screening

  (1) Screenings are to be performed following criteria developed by UDOH.

  (2) Screeners should do vision screenings early in the school session to provide time in that school year for adequate referral and follow-up to be done.

  (3) A Parent or guardian of a student has the right not to have their student participate in vision screening. All parents or guardians must be notified of scheduled vision screenings by the public school to provide an opportunity to opt out of screening for their student. Parent or guardian choosing to opt out of vision screening for their student must do so annually and in writing.

  (4) A public school staff member should be present at all times during vision screenings including those done by qualified outside entities.

  (5) Screenings are to be done using material and procedures approved by UDOH. Standards and procedures are based on recommendations of American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association, the National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health, and National School Nurse Association.

  (6) School vision screening is comprised of tier 1 and tier 2 screening.

  (a) Tier 1 vision screening is a lower-level vision screening such as basic distance vision screening.

  (b) Tier 2 vision screening is a higher-level evaluation that should include screening of distance and near vision. It may also include eye focusing or tracking problems, color screening, and screening for convergence insufficiency.

  (i) The approved tier 2 screener may automatically refer the student to an eye care professional in lieu of performing the tier 2 screening.

  (ii) If the LEA does not have an approved tier 2 screener the LEA should automatically refer the student to an eye care professional.

  (7) Approved vision screeners include the following:

  (a) Approved tier 1 vision screeners can be school nurses, qualified outside entities, trained volunteers, or health care professionals as defined in 53G-9-404 (1)(a) who have completed UDOH training for tier 1 vision screening.

  (b) Approved tier 2 vision screeners can only be school nurses or health care professionals as defined in 53G-9-404 (1)(a) who have completed UDOH training for tier 2 vision screening.

  (c) Persons assisting with vision screening:

  (i) May not profit financially from school vision screening; and

  (ii) May not market, advertise, or promote a business in connection with assisting with vision screening.

  (8) Any qualified outside entity that provides free vision screening services in the LEA will provide results of vision screening to the public school.

  (9) Students who are not candidates for regular vision screening may be screened using an approved instrument-based screening device. Only devices approved by UDOH should be used for screening, and then only when screening with a chart is not an option. Devices are not a substitute for clinical judgement and a visual acuity test.

  (10) The LEA shall document all vision screening results including referrals and follow-up results in the student's permanent school record.