Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening Annual Reporting Survey (VHSSARS)

The Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening Annual Reporting Survey (VHSSARS) is a survey-based system that provides users with an easy-to-use way to submit their annual screening reports. All facilities or school districts must submit their vision, hearing, and spinal screening reports during the reporting period of January 15th to June 30th. The survey link for reporting inactivates after June 30th.

VHSS Annual Reporting Survey PowerPoint

Reminder:

Make sure you have your Facility ID to submit reports. You will no longer need the Facility Identification Number (FIN) Code. 

Facilities need to have their summary of totals available in advance to make the reporting process easier when entering the required data.

Official Link: 

(We don’t recommend bookmarking the link; each year the link will be updated on the VHSS webpage Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening | Texas DSHS)

The link is inactive from July 1st through January 14th. The new link will be available on January 15th.

Updates

SB 1818

On September 1, 2025, Senate Bill 1818, 89^th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, went into effect allowing certain military service members, military veterans, and military spouses to receive a provisional license or license to engage in a business or occupation in Texas. This applies to Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening (VHSS) certificate holders. Please click the following link to download and review the information sheet.  SB 1818 Information Sheet.

Audiometric Equipment Registration

On February 9, 2026, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) updated the Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 37, Subchapter C, Rule §37.28: Hearing Screening Equipment Standards and Requirements. 

As of May 1, 2026, the VHSS Program will no longer require facilities to complete Audiometric Equipment Registration cards for audiometric screening equipment. Facilities that purchase audiometers or transfer ownership to another facility do not have to notify the state or complete an Audiometric Equipment Registration card. 

All Audiometric Equipment Registration cards that have been entered into the VHSS Registry will no longer be active in the state database. Facilities are encouraged to monitor and update their own inventory each school year.

Electronic Eye Charts

On February 9, 2026, the Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening (VHSS) Program updated agency program rules allowing distance visual acuity screening with electronic eye charts. This change implements House Bill 1297, 88^th Legislature, 2023, Regular Session.

Electronic eye charts are an optional alternative to traditional wall eye charts. Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 37, Subchapter C, Rule §37.22 (11) defines electronic eye chart as any computerized or other electronic system, device, or method of displaying on an electronic screen medically accepted and properly sized optotypes, which may be letters, numbers, or symbols a health care practitioner or other person uses to assess an individual's visual acuity. The term does not include an automated computer program that assesses an individual's visual acuity through the individual's interaction with the program by playing a game.

Facilities must follow manufacturer guidelines when using electronic eye charts. DSHS does not recommend specific electronic eye chart brands. 

SB 12 Announcement

We will answer SB 12 questions when we get final approval from our legal department.

HB 2789 Announcement

HB 2789 does not impact VHSS.

HB 2789 repeals section 43.0431(b) of the Human Resources Code and applies to HHSC-Childcare Regulation. DSHS requirements still mandate Licensed Child Care Centers and Child Care Homes to maintain screening records in compliance with the Health and Safety Code Chapter 36 and Texas Administrative Code Rule 37.26. Licensed Child Care facilities are still required to provide Vision and Hearing Screenings; these can be conducted by a provider or at the facility. They must maintain the screening records for inspection by DSHS. Annual reporting must still be completed by June 30^th of each year.

HB 3130 Announcement

Pursuant to the passage of HB 3130 in the 88^th Regular Session, certified screeners and external instructors who meet the requirements under Government Code 552.138(f) may request DSHS restrict public access to the personal information associated with their certification.

To make the request, an individual must be a current or former client of a family violence shelter center, a victim of trafficking shelter center, or a sexual assault program, or be a survivor of family violence, domestic violence, or sexual assault.

To participate in this option, individuals must complete the following Public Access Notice Form located on the Texas Attorney General website and email it to the DSHS Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening program at VHSSProgram@dshs.texas.gov for processing.