SACRAMENTO, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law AB 2329 (Carrillo), a bill that works to expand access to free vision exams and glasses from community partners in California schools. AB 2329 would function by streamlining access to vision exams for California students by automatically opting them in, and allowing school districts to utilize nonprofit vision providers to administer exams and provide glasses more easily. Assemblywoman Carrillo, a lifelong advocate for healthcare justice, praised the signing and commented on the impact of the bill:
“The signing of AB 2329 is an exciting and hopeful development as we strive to create equitable conditions for youth education in California” said Assemblywoman Carrillo. “Giving a child eyeglasses for a vision problem is one of the most immediate and effective interventions that can be provided to a student to prevent lapses in their learning development.”
“Without proper care taken to address a child’s vision, academic struggles are only the first of a variety of harmful effects. Unaddressed vision issues can cause children to experience headaches and long term complications with their vision, and AB 2329 will ensure that our state intervenes. Studies show that addressing a vision problem is a powerful way to improve a child’s comfort in school, positively impacting their grades and extracurricular engagement”
“When our students’ visual skills have not developed properly, their learning may be impaired, which can further exacerbate opportunity gaps, especially in low-income students,” said Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “Research shows students in grades 3 through 7 who received eyeglasses through a school-based vision program achieved better reading scores. Los Angeles Unified is proud to sponsor AB 2329. This important legislation will increase access to no-cost vision exams and support the academic, social-emotional and health needs of every student. We are thankful for Assemblymember Carrillo’s leadership and appreciate the Governor’s signature.”
The full text of the bill can be found here: Bill Text - AB-2329 (ca.gov)
Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo was elected as the representative of the 51st Assembly District in December of 2017. She is currently the Chair of Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration, and a member of the Assembly Committees on Appropriations, Budget, Health, Housing and Community Development, and Utilities and Energy.
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