For the past several years, Ohio law requires that every
student who is identified with a disability for the first time and begins
receiving services under an IEP shall have a comprehensive eye exam performed
either by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. If such an examination has
been completed for your child within nine months prior to the initial eligibility
determination, that exam will meet the requirement. The law further specifies
that the parent, not the school district, has full financial responsibility for
this examination. Recent legislation now requires school districts to report
the number of students placed on an IEP for the first time that have had an eye
exam. It is important that you notify your school district's special education
office when your child has an eye exam. Although students who have not had an
eye exam cannot be denied services, the school district will need to report
this information. For additional information, contact you’re the school
psychologist for your child’s building.