Utah Office of Administrative Rules

NOTICE OF SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE

TYPE OF FILING: Repeal and Readopt

Filing ID: 58132

Rule or section number:

R384-201

1. Agency Information

Title catchline:

Health and Human Services; Population Health, Health Promotion and Prevention

Building:

Cannon Health Building

Street address:

288 N 1460 W

City, state:

Salt Lake City, UT

Mailing address:

PO Box 142107

City, state and zip:

Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2107

2. Contact Persons

Name:

Phone:

Email:

Karlee Walker

385-443-0871

karleewalker@utah.gov

Sami Bushnell

801-419-1078

samanthabushnell@utah.gov

Mariah Noble

385-214-1150

mariahnoble@utah.gov

Please address questions regarding information on this notice to the persons listed above.

3. General Information

A. Rule or section catchline:

R384-201. School-Based Vision Screening for Students in Public Schools

B. Purpose of the new rule or reason for the change:

This filing is necessary to implement the new legislative mandates in Section 53G-9-404, updated as a result of HB 351 passed in the 2026 General Session, by clarifying Department of Health and Human Services (department) oversight of public education vision screenings.

Upon drafting this filing, the department also determined it is appropriate to format this substantive change as a repeal and readopt filing because the significant number of markups would have made the rule text difficult to follow if this filing were formatted as an amendment filing.

C. Summary of the new rule or change:

This filing updates and reorganizes Rule R384-201 to establish a clear two-tiered public school vision screening framework.

This filing establishes standard definitions of critical operational roles, including the designated vision point person (DVPP), tier one screener, and tier two screener.

It also establishes operational requirements, including mandating the Vision Symptom Questionnaire (VSQ) as a diagnostic trigger for students in grades one through three who fail reading benchmarks, students undergoing special education evaluations, or upon parent or guardian concern.

This filing establishes comprehensive protocols to formally separate basic tier one screenings from targeted, clinical tier two screenings, maximizing early intervention and academic support across local education agencies (LEAs).

This filing outlines specific criteria for automated doctor referrals if an LEA operates without an authorized tier two screener. It establishes a strict 30-day administrative timeline for delivering written initial referral notification to parents or guardians and a distinct, secondary follow-up protocol via phone, email, or direct contact to confirm receipt of referrals and to link families to vision care resources.

This filing updates this rule to enforce ethical and legal guardrails prohibiting outside screening entities from marketing, promoting businesses, or distributing material to families before an LEA issues an initial referral notification.

This filing also synchronizes aggregate year-end data reporting directly into the annual School Health Workload Report and establishes data privacy protections and explicit cross-agency jurisdictional hand-offs to the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB) regarding significant visual impairments.

4. Legislative Action Information

A. Are any changes in this filing

because of state legislative action?

Changes are because of legislative action.

B. If yes, any bill number and

HB 351 (2026 General Session)

session:

5. Fiscal Information

Provide an estimate and written explanation of the aggregate anticipated cost or savings to:

A. State budget:

This filing is not anticipated to have a fiscal impact to the state budget.

The department is expected to absorb any administrative costs associated with updating the VSQ and the aggregate data collection portals using existing staff and resources.

Standardized training modules will continue to be hosted digitally via existing online learning platforms, requiring no new state appropriations.

B. Local governments:

This filing is not anticipated to have a fiscal impact on LEAs, including school districts and charter schools.

LEAs are already required by law to conduct student vision screenings. The shifting of workflows, the delivery of the written initial referral within 30 days, and the implementation of the VSQ use existing school nursing staff, administrative personnel, and data coordinators within standard contracted hours.

This filing does not mandate the purchase of new physical screening equipment or charts.

C. Small businesses ("small business" means a business employing 1-49 persons):

This filing is not anticipated to have a fiscal impact on small businesses because this rule does not apply to or impact small businesses.

This rule strictly regulates public education screening programs and authorized school personnel. It imposes no regulatory requirements, compliance burdens, or operational costs on private small businesses.

D. Non-small businesses ("non-small business" means a business employing 50 or more persons):

This filing is not anticipated to have a fiscal impact on non-small businesses because this rule does not apply to or impact non-small businesses.

E. Persons other than small businesses, non-small businesses, state, or local government entities ("person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental entity, or public or private organization of any character other than an agency):

This filing is not anticipated to have a fiscal impact on other persons, including nonprofit entities, such as Friends for Sight, that contract with LEAs to provide volunteer screening support.

Applicable nonprofit entities are already subject to training and data-sharing protocols.

While this rule establishes ethical boundaries regarding commercial marketing and limits the timing of resource distribution, it does not impose operational fees, licensing costs, or fiscal penalties on these organizations.

F. Compliance costs for affected persons:

This filing is not anticipated to have any compliance costs for affected persons, including the department, LEAs, and nonprofit entities.

Adhering to this rule requires tracking aggregate statistics and routing paperwork within specified timelines, which relies entirely on existing administrative channels.

6. Regulatory Impact Summary Table

Enter the cost or savings in the relevant cell. If there is no cost or savings, enter, "$0." If a cost or savings is inestimable, enter, "inestimable."

Fiscal Cost

FY2027

FY2028

FY2029

FY2030

FY2031

State Budget

Local Governments

Small Businesses

Non-Small Businesses

Other Persons

Total Fiscal Cost

Fiscal Benefits

FY2027

FY2028

FY2029

FY2030

FY2031

State Budget

Local Governments

Small Businesses

Non-Small Businesses

Other Persons

Total Fiscal Benefits

Net Fiscal Benefits

7. Regulatory Impact Analysis Approval

The Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services, Tracy S. Gruber, has reviewed and approved this regulatory impact analysis.

8. Family Impact Information

A. The agency has considered this rule's impact on family health, stability, and formation:

☒

9. Citation Information

Provide citations to the statutory authority for the rule. If there is also a federal requirement for the rule, provide a citation to that requirement:

Section 26B-1-202

Section 53G-9-404

10. Incorporation by Reference Information

Incorporation by Reference (if this rule incorporates more than two items by reference, please include additional tables):

A. This rule adds or updates the following title of material incorporated by reference (a copy of the material incorporated by reference must be submitted to the Office of Administrative Rules. If none, leave blank):

Official Title of Materials Incorporated (from title page)

Rule R277-750. Education Programs for Students with Disabilities

Publisher

Utah Office of Administrative Rules

Issue Date

March 15, 2024

Issue or Version

March 2026

11. Public Notice Information

The public may submit written or oral comments to the agency identified in box 1.

A. Comments will be accepted until:

10/01/2026

12. Effective Date Information

This rule change MAY become effective on:

(NOTE: This is the date the agency anticipates making the filing effective. It is NOT the effective date)

10/08/2026

13. Agency Authorization Information

Agency head or

designee and title:

Tracy S. Gruber, Commissioner

Date:

07/31/2026

R384. Health and Human Services, Population Health, Health Promotion and Prevention.

R384-201. School-Based Vision Screening for Students in Public Schools.

[R384-201-1. Authority.

(1) This rule is authorized by Subsection 53G 9-404 and 26-1-30 (33).

(2) The Department of Health and Human Services is authorized under the rule to set standards and procedures for vision screening

required by this chapter, which shall include a process for notifying the parent or guardian of a student who fails a vision screening or is identified as

needing follow-up care.

R384-201-2. Definitions.

(1) "Eye care professional" means an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

(2) IEP means an Individualized Education Plan.

(3) "Instrument based screening" means an automated screening technique that facilitates vision screening for a student who is difficult to

screen such as a student with a developmental delay.

(4) LEA means local education agency.

(5) "Screening certificate" means written documentation of vision screening or comprehensive eye examination by a health care

professional as defined in Subsection 53G-9-404 (1)(a) done within one year of entering a public school.

(6) "Significant visual impairment" means a visual impairment severe enough to interfere with learning. The term is the designation

required for a child to be eligible for services from a teacher of a student with a visual impairment.

(7) "Screener" means those trained to support a school vision screening program.

(8) DHHS means the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.

(9) "Vision Screening" means a way to identify a student with a visual impairment.

R384-201-3. Purpose.

The purpose of school-based vision screening is to set standards and procedures for vision screening in a public school.

R384-201-4. Free Screening.

(1) A student in an LEA shall receive a free tier 1 vision screening as follows:

(a) tier 1 vision screening shall be conducted for a student who is in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, grades 1, 3, 5, 7 or 8, and 9 or 10, and

any student referred by school personnel, parent or guardian or self to rule out vision as an obstacle to learning;

(b) a student enrolled in 10th grade may be exempt from screening if enrolled in a driver education class; and

(2) A student may be referred for tier 2 vision screening under the following circumstances:

(a) mandatory tier 2 screening or referral to an eye care professional shall be done for a student requiring education intervention such as

special education referral or reevaluation, or failing benchmark reading assessment as defined by Rule R277-404 if indicated by results of the Vision

Symptom Questionnaire;

(b) optional tier 2 vision screening may be done based on parent or teacher concern;

(c) a student failing a tier 1 screening who has been referred to an eye care professional is not required to complete a tier 2 screening;

(d) the LEA may automatically refer the student to an eye care professional in lieu of performing a tier 2 vision screening; and

(e) an LEA without an approved tier 2 screener shall automatically refer the student to an eye care professional in lieu of performing a tier

2 vision screening.

R384-201-5. Required Screening for Students with an Individualized Education Plan.

Required screening for a student referred or reevaluated for an IEP in an LEA are as follows:

(1) May only occur not more than once a year, unless the parent or adult student and LEA agree otherwise; and at least every three years

unless the parent or adult student and LEA agree otherwise.

(a) A student must be reevaluated for eligibility for special education in all areas of suspected disability.

(b) If vision is an area of suspected disability, the LEA shall complete the Vision Symptom Questionnaire in conjunction with the

evaluation.

(2) Vision issues as a primary obstacle to learning must be ruled out using the Vision Symptom Questionnaire before Specific Learning

Disability eligibility can be determined.

R384-201-6. Proof of Screening.

Certificate or health form documenting a vision screening or examination given within one year of entering a public school are acceptable

for school entry. A student less than age 9 entering a public school in Utah for the first time without proof of screening mentioned above, shall be

screened during that school year.

R384-201-7. Training of Screeners.

(1) The LEA shall provide training annually to all who assist with the screening as follows:

(a) the school nurse shall provide the training; or

(b) those assisting with screening shall view the online module developed by DHHS.

(2) The LEA will provide training in compliance with material developed by DHHS.

(3) The DHHS will share vision screening training material with a qualified outside entity.

(4) The DHHS will create online training for:

(a) tier 1 vision screening;

(b) those who assist with tier 1 vision screening; and

R384-201-8. Screening.

(1) Screening is to be performed following criteria developed by DHHS.

(2) Vision screening should be done early in the school year to provide time for adequate referral and follow-up.

(3) A parent or guardian of a student has the right not to have their student participate in vision screening. A parent or guardian must be

notified of scheduled vision screening by the LEA to provide an opportunity to opt out of screening for their student. A parent or guardian choosing

to opt out of vision screening for their student must do so annually and in writing.

(4) An LEA staff member should be present at all times during vision screenings including those done by a qualified outside entity.

(5) Screenings are to be done using material and procedures approved by DHHS. Standards and procedures are based on

recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association, the

National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health, and the National Association of School Nurses.

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

(a) Tier 1 vision screening is a lower-level vision screening which includes 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 if indicated by results of the Vision Symptom

Questionnaire.

(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) Those approved to provide vision screening include the following:

(a) a school nurse, a qualified outside entity, trained volunteer, or a health care professional as defined in Subsection 53G-9-404 (1)(a) who

has completed DHHS training for tier 1 vision screening is approved to provide tier 1 vision screening; and

(b) a school nurse or a health care professional as defined in Subsection 53G-9-404 (1)(a) who has completed DHHS training for tier 2

vision screening is approved to provide tier 2 vision screening.

(8) A person assisting with vision screening:

(a) may not profit financially from school vision screening; and

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

(9) A qualified outside entity shall provide results of vision screening to the LEA.

(10) A student who is not a candidate for regular vision screening may be screened using an approved instrument-based screening device.

Only devices approved by DHHS should be used for screening, and then only when screening with a chart is not an option.

(10) The LEA shall document each vision screening result including any referral and follow-up in the student's permanent school record.

R384-201-9. Requirements for Referral.

(1) A school nurse may rescreen any student who fails initial age appropriate school vision screening to confirm results before notification

to student's parent or guardian of any impairment disclosed by the vision screening recommending further evaluation by an eye care professional.

(2) The LEA shall notify, in writing within 30 days from vision screening, a student's parent or guardian of any impairment disclosed by

the vision screening recommending further evaluation by an eye care professional.

R384-201-10. Vision Symptom Questionnaire.

(1) The DHHS will provide to the LEA the Vision Symptom Questionnaire for the classroom teacher to potentially identify a vision

problem. The DHHS will update the questionnaire as needed.

(2) For a student who fails to achieve benchmark status on the benchmark reading assessment in grades 1-3:

(a) the LEA shall notify the teacher within 30 calendar days of student performance on the benchmark reading assessment;

(b) the teacher must complete the Vision Symptom Questionnaire within 45 calendar days of the administration of the assessment and

submit the questionnaire to the school nurse;

(d) the school nurse shall use the Vision Symptom Questionnaire to evaluate the need for a tier 2 screening or refer to an eye care

professional within 30 calendar days of receiving the Vision Symptom Questionnaire.

(3) For a student who is being referred or reevaluated for special education for a suspected disability affected by a vision difficulty:

(a) the teacher must complete the Vision Symptom Questionnaire and submit to the school nurse; and

(b) the school nurse shall use the Vision Symptom Questionnaire to evaluate the need for a tier 2 screening or refer to an eye care

professional within 30 calendar days of receiving the Vision Symptom Questionnaire.

(4) For a student who is being referred by parent or guardian for vision concern:

(a) the parent or guardian should complete the Vision Symptom Questionnaire and submit to the school nurse; and

(b) the school nurse shall use the Vision Symptom Questionnaire to evaluate the need for a tier 2 screening or refer to an eye care

professional within 30 calendar days of receiving the Vision Symptom Questionnaire.

R384-201-11. Aggregate Reporting Requirements.

(1) LEAs shall report aggregate numbers annually to DHHS to include:

(a) total number receiving tier 1 vision screening;

(b) total number referred to an eye care professional following a tier 1 vision screening;

(d) total number referred to an eye care professional following a tier 2 vision screening; and

(e) other information as requested by DHHS.

(2) This report may be submitted on the annual vision screening report, or as part of the annual school health workload census, and shall be

due on or before June 30 of each year.

(3) No personally identifiable information will be collected.]

R384-201-1. Authority and Purpose.

(1) Sections 26B-1-202 and 53G 9-404 authorize this rule.

(2) This rule provides Department of Health and Human Services (department) oversight of public education vision screening and

establishes comprehensive standards, protocols, and reporting requirements for school-based tier one and tier two vision screenings.

R384-201-2. Definitions.

(1) "Designated vision point person" or "DVPP" means:

(a) the school nurse; or

(b) if a local education agency (LEA) does not employ a school nurse, an individual designated by the LEA to coordinate the school vision

screening program.

(2) "Eye care professional" means an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

(3) "Health care professional" means the same as defined in Section 53G-9-404.

(4) "Instrument-based screening device" means a department-approved automated tool used to facilitate vision screening for a student who

cannot complete a standard chart-based visual acuity test.

(5) "Screening certificate" means written documentation of a vision screening or comprehensive eye examination by a health care

professional conducted within one year of a student entering a public school.

(6) "Significant vision impairment" means a visual impairment severe enough to interfere with learning.

(7) "Qualified outside entity" means a department-approved nonprofit entity contracted with an LEA to assist with tier one vision

screening.

(8) Tier one screener" means an authorized individual who meets the criteria described in Subsection R384-201-5(8) to conduct a tier one

screening for at the school.

(9) "Tier two screener" means a school nurse or health care professional who has completed department-approved training to conduct a tier

two vision screening at the school.

(10) "Vision screening" means a process or method used to identify a student whose results may indicate a vision impairment.

(11) "Vision Symptom Questionnaire" or "VSQ" means the questionnaire developed by the department to identify a student who may need

a tier two vision screening or referral to an eye care professional based on vision-related symptoms or concerns.

R384-201-3. Screening Criteria and Qualifications.

(1)(a) A tier one vision screener shall conduct a free tier one vision screening for at least each student:

(i) in pre-kindergarten;

(ii) in kindergarten;

(iii) in grade one;

(iv) in grade three;

(v) in grade five;

(vi) in grade seven or eight;

(vii) in grade nine or ten;

(viii) in that student's first year enrolled in public school in the state if the student is under nine years old; and

(ix) referred by school personnel or a parent or guardian to rule out vision as an obstacle for learning.

(b)(i) If a student in grade ten is enrolled in a driver education class, that student may be exempt from the tier one vision screening.

(ii) Any student with a diagnosed significant vision impairment shall be exempt from vision screening.

(2)(a) A student qualifies for a tier two vision screening or referral to an eye care professional if a teacher or a parent or guardian submits a

VSQ indicating a vision concern.

(b) A subsequent tier two vision screening or referral to an eye care professional shall be conducted if indicated by the results of the VSQ.

(c) A student who is referred to an eye care professional after a tier one screening does not require a tier two vision screening.

(d) An LEA may refer a student to an eye care professional in lieu of performing a tier two vision screening.

(e) Any LEA without an authorized tier two screener shall automatically refer each student in need of a tier two vision screening to an eye

care professional.

R384-201-4. Vision Symptom Questionnaire.

(1)(a) The department shall, in coordination with the State Board of Education, provide the VSQ to each LEA for the classroom teacher to

potentially identify a vision problem.

(b) The department shall update the VSQ as needed.

(2) For a student who fails to achieve benchmark status on the benchmark reading assessment in grades one through three:

(a) the LEA shall notify the student's classroom teacher within 30 calendar days of student performance on the benchmark reading

assessment; and

(b) the classroom teacher shall complete the VSQ within 45 calendar days of the administration of the benchmark reading assessment and

submit the completed VSQ to the DVPP.

(3)(a) For a student who requires a VSQ in accordance with a special education referral or reevaluation and Rule R277-750, incorporated

by reference in this rule, and the Special Education Rules manual, incorporated by reference in Rule R277-750, the classroom teacher shall submit a

completed VSQ to the DVPP.

(b) The coordination, completion, and evaluation of each special education evaluation or reevaluation VSQ shall be conducted in

accordance with Rule R277-750.

(4)(a) For a parent or guardian who has a vision concern for a student, the parent or guardian may complete the VSQ and submit the

completed VSQ to the DVPP.

(b) If any school personnel, including a teacher, has a vision concern for a student, the school personnel may complete the VSQ and

submit the completed VSQ to the DVPP.

(5) Upon receipt of a completed VSQ, the DVPP shall evaluate the completed VSQ within 30 calendar days for any needed tier two

screening or referral to an eye care professional.

(6) An LEA may only require a classroom teacher to complete the VSQ once per student per school year, regardless of how many

administrative triggers described in Subsection (2), (3), or (4) apply to the student.

R384-201-5. Training of Screeners.

(1) Each LEA shall ensure each individual who assists with vision screening receives annual training:

(a) through the department's online training course for vision screening, found on the department's school nursing website; or

(b) provided by a school nurse.

(2) The DVPP shall coordinate and verify completion of the training requirements described in Subsection (1) for every individual

assisting with vision screening.

(3) The LEA shall provide training in compliance with material developed by the department.

(4) The department shall share vision screening training material with any qualified outside entity contracted by an LEA to provide

screenings.

(4) The department, in coordination with the State Board of Education, shall create online training for:

(a) tier one vision screening;

(b) each individual assisting with tier one vision screening; and

R384-201-6. Screening Procedures.

(1) Screening shall be conducted in accordance with department-developed criteria.

(2) Each LEA shall conduct vision screening early in the school year to provide time for adequate referral and follow-up.

(3) The LEA shall notify a student's parent or guardian of scheduled vision screening to provide the parent or guardian an opportunity to

opt out of vision screening for the student.

(4) To opt a student out of vision screening, the student's parent or guardian must annually submit a written refusal for the student's

participation in vision screening.

(5) An LEA staff member or DVPP shall be present during the entirety of a vision screening, including any screening conducted by a

qualified outside entity.

(6)(a) Each vision screening shall be conducted using materials, questionnaires, and procedures approved by the department and developed

in coordination with the State Board of Education.

(b) Screening standards and procedures are based on recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of

Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association, the National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health, and the National Association of

School Nurses.

(7) School vision screening includes tier one and tier two screening.

(a) Tier one vision screening is a lower-level vision screening that includes basic distance vision screening.

(b)(i) Tier two vision screening is a higher-level evaluation that:

(A) includes screening of distance and near vision; and

(B) may include evaluation of eye focusing or tracking problems, color screening, and screening for convergence insufficiency, if

indicated by results of the VSQ.

(8) An individual may conduct tier one vision screening if that individual:

(a) has completed department-approved training;

(b) is working in coordination with a DVPP; and

(c)(i) is a school nurse;

(ii) is health care professional;

(iii) is a qualified outside entity; or

(iii) is a trained school volunteer.

(9) A school nurse or a health care professional may conduct tier two vision screening if that individual has completed department-

approved training for tier two vision screening.

(10) A person assisting with vision screening may not:

(a) profit financially from school vision screening;

(b) market, advertise, or promote a business in connection with assisting with vision screening; and

(c) distribute resource notifications or materials, unless acting as an authorized representative of a qualified outside entity operating in

compliance with Subsection (11).

(11)(a) A qualified outside entity:

(i) shall provide the results of each vision screening to the LEA; and

(ii) may send a notification home with a student containing additional resources and instructions on how to obtain follow-up vision care, in

accordance with Subsection 53G-9-404(9)(d), at the same time or after the LEA provides the initial referral notification.

(b) For an entity to be considered a qualified outside entity, that entity must have department approval through the department's application

process.

(12)(a) A student who is not a candidate for regular vision screening may be screened using an instrument-based screening device.

(b) Only an instrument-based screening device approved by the department may be used for screening.

(13) The LEA shall document each vision screening result, including any referral and follow-up, in the student's permanent school record.

R384-201-7. Requirements for Referral and Follow-up.

(1) A school nurse may verify or confirm failed screening results before notifying a student's parent or guardian of any impairment or

recommending further evaluation by an eye care professional.

(2)(a) Within 30 days of vision screening, the LEA shall provide a written initial referral notification, using the department-approved form,

to a student's parent or guardian documenting any impairment disclosed by the vision screening and recommending further evaluation by an eye care

professional.

(b) Each referral notification shall prominently include the statement: "A screening is not a substitute for a complete eye exam and vision

evaluation by an eye doctor."

(3)(a) Each LEA shall implement a distinct follow-up protocol that is separate from, and not a substitute for, the initial referral notification

described in Subsection (2).

(b) The follow-up protocol shall, at minimum, require the LEA to:

(i) directly contact the student's parent or guardian by telephone, email, or another LEA-approved method of communication;

(ii) confirm that the parent or guardian received the written initial referral notification; and

(iii) ensure the parent or guardian is provided with information on additional resources and instructions on how to obtain follow-up vision

care, including any notification materials provided by a qualified outside entity under Subsection R384-201-6(11).

R384-201-8. Aggregate Reporting Requirements.

(1) Each LEA shall annually report to the department aggregate statistics, including that LEA's:

(a) total number of students who have received tier one vision screening;

(b) total number of students referred to an eye care professional after a tier one vision screening;

(d) total number of students referred to an eye care professional after a tier two vision screening; and

(e) other information, as requested by the department.

(2) Each LEA shall submit statistical information described in Subsection (1) as part of the annual School Health Workload Report, in

accordance with Rule R277-415, no later than June 30 of each year.

(3) An LEA may not collect or report to the department any personally identifiable information under this rule.

R384-201-9. Reporting and Referral for Significant Vision Impairments.

(1) If a student is identified or suspected to have a significant vision impairment that may interfere with the student's ability to learn, the

LEA shall promptly initiate the special education referral process in accordance with Rule R277-750.

(2) To coordinate required evaluation resources, including a functional vision assessment completed by a licensed teacher of students with

visual impairments (TSVI), the LEA shall contact the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB) Outreach Vision Services program or the

LEA special education director for guidance and support without undue delay.

(3) The LEA shall ensure that any reporting, referral documentation, or student data shared under this section complies with:

(a) Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1232g; and

(b) Title 53E, Chapter 9, Student Privacy and Data Protection.

KEY: eye exams, school vision, vision evaluations

Date of Last Change: [November 5, 2023]2026

Notice of Continuation: June 6, 2023

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 53G-9-404

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Rule 201: School-Based Vision Screening for Students in Public Schools