Ariz. Admin. Code § R9-13-112 - Vision Screener Qualifications

A. An individual may be a vision screener, if the individual:

1. Is an optometrist or ophthalmologist, or

2. Has a current vision screening certificate of completion, as specified in subsection (C).

B. An individual, who is not an optometrist or ophthalmologist, is eligible to become a vision screener, if the individual:

1. Is at least 18 years of age;

2. Has a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma;

3. Has the ability to recognize a student's response using the recommended vision screening, as specified in Table 13.4;

4. Has completed classroom instruction provided by a vision screening trainer, including:

a. Introduction to vision screening for children, including the:

i. Anatomy, physiology, and development of the eye;

ii. Signs and types of vision loss in children; and

iii. Prevention of vision loss in children;

b. Essentials for vision screening children, including:

i. When, how, and on whom vision screening is performed;

ii. How to set up a vision screening, including the selection of a method to use for vision screening and a location to conduct vision screening; and

iii. Infection control;

c. Vision screening protocols, including:

i. Types of age-specific vision equipment;

ii. Proper vision screening techniques;

iii. Possible results of vision screening;

iv. Vision screener requirements, as specified in this Article;

v. Procedures for tracking students expected to receive vision screening and recording vision screening results;

vi. Identifying students who need a second vision screening; and

vii. Requirements in A.R.S. Title 36, Chapter 7.2, and requirements in this Article; and

d. Vision screening results, including documentation of:

i. Notification of and communication with the parents of students,

ii. The information that a parent of a student who does not pass a vision screening is requested to obtain from the student's specialist and provide to the student's school,

iii. Procedures for reporting vision screening results to the Department,

iv. When and to whom a student's vision loss is required to be reported, and

v. What resources are available to the parent of a student who does not pass a vision screening.

5. Obtains a score of at least 80% on an examination that covers the classroom instruction, as specified in subsection (B)(5); and

6. Demonstrates competency in the use of the visual equipment, as specified in subsection (B)(6).

C. When the Department receives notification that an individual has satisfied the requirements in subsection (B), from the vision screening trainer who provided the classroom instruction, written examination, and competency assessment, the Department shall issue to the individual a vision screening certificate of completion that includes:

1. The individual's name;

2. The information provided in R9-13-113(D)(2)(b), (f), and (g); and

3. The date the vision screening certificate of completion was issued.

D. Except as specified in A.R.S. § 36-899.10(B), a vision screener's certificate of completion expires four years from the issue date indicated on the vision screening certificate of completion.

E. Before the expiration date of a vision screening certificate of completion, a vision screener, who is not an optometrist or ophthalmologist and wants to renew a vision screening certificate of completion shall:

1. Complete instruction, as provided by a vision screening trainer or another Department-approved method related to:

a. Essentials for vision screening children, and

b. Vision screening protocols;

2. Obtain a score of at least 80% on an examination that covers the vision screening requirements in subsection (B)(5); and

3. Demonstrate competency in the use of the visual equipment consistent with the vision screening training received in subsection (B)(6); and

F. Within 30 calendar days after the Department receives notification that a vision screener has satisfied the requirements in subsection (E), the Department shall issue to the vision screener a renewal vision screening certificate of completion.

G. An individual who does not score at least 80% on the:

1. Initial written examination in subsection (B)(5), may retake the written examination; or

2. Second written examination, the individual shall repeat classroom instruction in subsection (B)(4) before taking a third written examination.

H. An individual who is not a vision screener:

1. May perform a vision screening, as specified in Table 13.4, under the supervision of a vision screener; and

2. Shall not perform a vision screening for a student who:

a. Did not pass an initial vision screening, or

b. Was not screened based on a condition identified in R9-13-103(G)(2).

Notes

Ariz. Admin. Code § R9-13-112

Effective 4-72. Amended effective November 18, 1976 (Supp. 76-5). Section R9-13-112 renumbered and amended as Section R9-13-102 effective February 18, 1986 (Supp. 86-1). Amended by final rulemaking at 25 A.A.R. 1827, effective 7/2/2019. New Section made by final rulemaking at 30 A.A.R. 1949, effective 7/7/2024.