Early Detection of Vision Impairments for Children Act of 2025

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to create grants and technical assistance programs for states, territories, and Tribal organizations to improve early detection and intervention for children's vision and eye health.

Sec. 2, Statewide early vision detection and intervention programs: The Secretary of Health and Human Services, through HRSA, will award grants or cooperative agreements to eligible entities (states, territories, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Urban Indian organizations, or state agencies) to develop and implement statewide programs for children's vision and eye health. Funds must be used for at least three activities, including implementing vision screening and referrals, developing data collection systems, improving access for underserved populations, raising public awareness, establishing coordinated public health systems, and providing referrals to wrap-around services. Recipients must consult with relevant state and community partners and submit annual reports to the Secretary, which will be made public.

Technical assistance: The Secretary, through the CDC, will provide technical support and award grants to public or nonprofit organizations with expertise in children's vision to help eligible entities develop data systems, disseminate information, conduct applied research, ensure quality monitoring, and coordinate best practices. Recipients must evaluate their activities within four years and submit a report to the Secretary and Congress.

Coordination and consultation: The Secretary must coordinate with multiple federal agencies and consult with the private sector, including consumer, medical, and nonprofit organizations, on policy development for early detection and intervention programs.

Definitions: The bill defines key terms including Indian Tribe, State educational agency, Tribal organization, and Urban Indian organization by referencing existing federal laws.

Authorization of appropriations: $5,000,000 is authorized for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to carry out the section, with a separate $5,000,000 per year for the evaluation and reporting requirements.