Vision Services Protocol
An initial vision screening must be conducted by authorized district nurses/staff for participating migrant students. Results should be shared with both the migrant parents and the Migrant Education Program staff.
Available funding sources will be exhausted before a contract for supplemental services is generated by the Region I office.
It will be the responsibility of migrant staff, working in conjunction with the migrant parents/guardians of students in need of vision services, to explore other funding options prior to generating a contract for supplemental services funded by the Migrant Education Program. Staff and parents must verify that the migrant child does not have existing vision insurance, is not eligible to receive assistance from any other program, and is in need of (at a minimum) a vision exam.
After the initial screening has been conducted and other funding sources exhausted, the Region I office will generate a contract for services with a participating provider. The amount of the contract will be determined by the Region I staff based on (1) total available vision services funding and (2) the level of documented need. Services rendered may include both eye exams and, as necessary, eyeglasses.
After the contract with the provider has been generated, and signed by all parties, then a Vision Services Referral form may be generated. A copy of the original vision screening results, printed on original school/district letterhead, shall be submitted with the Vision Services Referral. All sections of the form must be completed and signed by appropriate staff prior to submission for Regional Authorization. Once the authorized regional staff has signed the Vision Services Referral, services for the specific migrant child referenced in the form may commence.
Services shall be provided within 60 days of the authorization. MEP shall pay up to a maximum of $60 for the vision exam and up to a maximum of $150 for an examination and eyewear, or will provide a Lenscrafters Vision Voucher which will cover the cost of the eye exam and a pair of glasses. If a vision voucher is not utilized, the migrant parent/guardian must agree to pay a minimum of 10% of the total cost, and shall provide payment directly to the provider on the day of the examination.
Billings to the Region I office should be submitted with 30 days. In no case may the total of the billings exceed the original amount of the contract with the provider. If there is a need to increase the amount of the original contract, and if funds are available, those terms must be negotiated between the provider and the Region I office.
In no case will vision services be provided after August 31 of the year in which the process has commenced, unless specifically authorized by the Regional Director.
