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California Education Code Section 49455

Legal Research Home > California Laws > Education Code > California Education Code Section 49455

Upon first enrollment in a California school district of a
child at a California elementary school, and at least every third
year thereafter until the child has completed the eighth grade, the
child's vision shall be appraised by the school nurse or other
authorized person under Section 49452. This evaluation shall include
tests for visual acuity and color vision; however, color vision shall
be appraised once and only on male children, 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. Gross external observation of the child's eyes, visual
performance, and perception shall be done by the school nurse and the
classroom teacher. The evaluation may be waived, if the child'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 child's vision, including visual
acuity and color vision.
   The provisions of this section shall not apply to any child whose
parents or guardian file with the principal of the school in which
the child 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.

Last modified: February 13, 2012