§2.Statewide early vision detection and intervention programs and systems related to children’s vision and eye health
This section establishes a grant program, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), under which the Secretary awards grants or cooperative agreements to states, territories, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, Urban Indian organizations, or relevant state agencies (i.e., children and families, health, public health, or educational agencies) to develop and implement statewide early vision detection and intervention programs and systems for children's vision and eye health. Award recipients must use funds for three or more specified activities, including (1) vision screening and intervention in medical, home, educational, and early learning settings with referrals guided by national standards; (2) integrated state data collection and management; (3) strategies to improve outcomes, access, and equity for rural and underserved children; (4) public awareness campaigns; (5) coordinated public health systems for detection, referral, diagnosis, intervention, and follow-up; and (6) referrals to wraparound vision services; and must collaborate with partners administering the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, Medicaid Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment benefit, State Children's Health Insurance Program, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act parts B and C, Indian Health Service, and consumer groups. Recipients must submit annual public reports to the Secretary on activities and outcomes.
This section further directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to awardees and requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to award grants or cooperative agreements for technical assistance on data systems, information dissemination, applied research, quality monitoring, and best practices coordination related to children's vision programs. Not later than four years after enactment, technical assistance recipients must evaluate and report to the Secretary on program outcomes, costs, and effectiveness.