SPRINGFIELD – To make sure children who have color vision deficiency, commonly referred to as “color blindness,” are identified early and receive literacy resources, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel headed a new law adding testing for color vision deficiency to children’s eye exams.
“Because testing for color blindness is not required in children’s eye exams, some students may be left without the support they need,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “By adding this type of testing, schools can know which children have color vision deficiency and take steps to make their educational experience more impactful and accessible.”
About one of every 12 boys and one of every 200 girls are affected by color blindness, but it is not part of many states’ eye exams. Aware that many classroom settings use color to boost the learning abilities of students, Loughran Cappel led House Bill 3408 to ensure early diagnosis and treatment access for students who may have color vision deficiency.
Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, the law requires vision examinations for children in kindergarten, second grade and eighth grade to include color discrimination testing, helping identify students as early as possible. It also requires resources to be published on the Illinois State Board of Education’s website to help educators and school districts better meet the needs of students with color vision deficiency.
Currently, all Illinois children need to have an eye exam within one year prior to starting kindergarten, before entering the sixth and ninth grades and before starting at a new school. However, color deficiency testing has not typically been included in the examination.
“When we support children’s education by meeting them where they are, we provide them with better learning experiences, helping them grow as students and people,” said Loughran Cappel.
House Bill 3408 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1.
