FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2000
Contact: Channell Barbour or Kim Townley (502) 564-2611 

Governor Patton Encourages Eye Examinations for Children

Frankfort, KY --- During the KIDS NOW press conference at the Kentucky State Fair today, Governor Patton informed parents about the importance of having complete eye exams for their children entering public schools for the first time.

When my daughter Nicki was young, she could not read the road signs, said Governor Patton.  “I took her to have her eyes examined and discovered that she needed glasses.”

Children entering public schools, public preschool, or Headstart programs affiliated with public schools for the first time are required by law to have a complete eye examination by January 1,2001.    As part of House Bill 706, the Early Childhood Development Initiative, the 2000 Kentucky General Assembly passed the new law requiring parents to have a complete eye examination for their children by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

“We want to identify problems earlier because it affects learning,” said Kim Townley, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development.

The goal of the Early Childhood Initiative is to ensure that Kentucky children are healthy and safe, possess the foundation that will enable school and personal success, and live in strong families that are supported within their communities.   Hearing testing of newborns and the eye examinations prior to school entry address problems with the two senses that are most critical to successful learning.

Examinations must be performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and not a general physician or pediatrician.  A complete examination requires specialized equipment and extensive training to make a more accurate diagnosis of the problems and prescribe treatment.

At least 50% of Kentucky children are eligible for Medicaid or KCHIP and both programs cover routine eye examinations and glasses.  House Bill 706 had an appropriation of $300,000 to assist those families who are not eligible for Medicaid or KCHIP and do not have private insurance coverage.

“We owe it to our children to help them reach their fullest potential,” said Governor Patton. 

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