We, the undersigned, object to the State of Illinois Eye Examination Report as the only form that shall be accepted as proof of a required eye exam.

The law states an eye exam shall be recorded on "uniform forms which the Department of Public Health and the State Board of Education shall prescribe for statewide use." During the public comment period of this rulemaking process, we are seeking for the Vision First form to be one of the prescribed forms for statewide use.

Here are the benefits of the Vision First form:

• Designed for the parent and teacher.
• Provides education on children’s vision.
• Suitable for recommended and required eye exams.
• Emphasizes a comprehensive eye and vision examination.
• Illustrates eye health, visual acuity, refractive evaluation, and visual efficiency.
• Accompanies prewritten letters for schools.
• Contains a vision screening disclaimer.
• Includes a Reference Page for parents and teachers.
• Represents high standards of eye care.
• Brings meaning and purpose to an eye examination.

The Vision First form is part of the "Kids Eyes Count Campaign" created over five years ago. A completed Vision First report will help a parent and teacher provide an excellent educational program for a child. Vision First also pledges to help needy families meet the eye exam requirement, provided the Vision First form is used.

The law intends all children starting school for the first time to have an eye examination. We urge the Illinois Department of Public Health and State Board of Education to approve the Vision First form as one of the prescribed forms for statewide use as proof of an eye examination.