Dear Parents,

                This letter is to inform you of a new law starting with the 2008-2009 school year. This law is about eye exams for children starting public school for the first time. This law is important because there are many eye skills students need to have to do well in school. It is thought about 80% of all learning is done by seeing for  children ages 12 and younger.

                The new law says a child starting public schools in kindergarten or first grade for the first time needs to have an eye exam by January 1. A state licensed eye doctor or physician must do the exam. The doctor will send the results of the examination to the Department of Health and Senior Services. A copy of the results will be given to you to provide to the school.

                If you don't want your child to have an eye exam, you must send a letter to the school by January 1 saying your child will not be getting an eye exam. A child will not be kept out of school for not getting the eye exam.

                More information about the Children's Vision Law can be found on the Department of Health and Senior Services website (www.dhss.mo.gov). If you have any questions, please feel free to call your school nurse.