1. (a) To the extent that funds are available under Sections 521.008 and 522.0295, Transportation Code, the department shall operate a Blindness Education, Screening, and Treatment Program to provide:

   1. (1) blindness prevention education and screening and treatment to prevent blindness for residents who are not covered under an adequate health benefit plan; and
   2. (2) transition services to individuals with visual disabilities eligible for vocational rehabilitation services.

2. (b) The program shall include:

   1. (1) public education about blindness and other eye conditions;
   2. (2) screenings and eye examinations to identify conditions that may cause blindness;
   3. (3) treatment procedures necessary to prevent blindness; and
   4. (4) transition services.
3. (c) The executive commissioner by rule shall prescribe eligibility requirements for the program.

Acts 1979, 66th Leg., p. 2398, ch. 842, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.

Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 510, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;

Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 198, Sec. 2.115(a), eff. Sept. 1, 2003;

Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1140, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 27.002(11), eff. September 1, 2009.

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 4.351, eff. April 2, 2015.

Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 614 (H.B. 3798), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2023.