Section 49455 Of Article 4. Physical Examinations From California Education Code >> Division 4. >> Title 2. >> Part 27. >> Chapter 9. >> Article 4.
49455
. (a) (1) During the kindergarten year or upon first
enrollment or entry in a California school district of a pupil at an
elementary school, and in grades 2, 5, and 8, the pupil's vision
shall be appraised by the school nurse or other authorized person
under Section 49452.
(2) A pupil whose first enrollment or entry occurs in grade 4 or 7
shall not be required to be appraised in the year immediately
following the pupil's first enrollment or entry.
(b) The appraisal shall include tests for visual acuity, including
near vision, and color vision; however, color vision shall be
appraised once and only on male pupils, and the results of the
appraisal shall be entered in the health record of the pupil. Color
vision appraisal need not begin until the male pupil has reached the
first grade.
(c) The appraisal may be waived, if the pupil's parents so desire,
by their presenting of a certificate from a physician and surgeon, a
physician assistant practicing in compliance with Chapter 7.7
(commencing with Section 3500) of Division 2 of the Business and
Professions Code, or an optometrist setting out the results of a
determination of the pupil's vision, including visual acuity and
color vision.
(d) A pupil's vision may be appraised by using an eye chart or any
other scientifically validated photoscreening test. Photoscreening
tests shall be performed, under an agreement with, or the supervision
of, an optometrist or ophthalmologist, by the school nurse or a
trained individual who meets requirements established by the
department.
(e) Continual and regular observation of the pupil's eyes,
appearance, behavior, visual performance, and perception that may
indicate vision difficulties shall be done by the school nurse and
the classroom teacher.
(f) This section shall not apply to a pupil whose parents or
guardian file with the principal of the school in which the pupil is
enrolling, a statement in writing that they adhere to the faith or
teachings of any well-recognized religious sect, denomination, or
organization and in accordance with its creed, tenets, or principles
depend for healing upon prayer in the practice of their religion.
(g) The department shall adopt guidelines to implement this
section, including training requirements and a method of testing for
near vision.