CalMatters: Only 16% of CA Medi-Cal Kids Got Eye Exams 2022-2024, Down From 19% — Reimbursement Stuck at $47 for 25 Years
A CalMatters investigation published April 2, 2026, documents the deepening pediatric vision care crisis in California. Only 16% of children on Medi-Cal received an eye exam during 2022-2024, down from 19% eight years earlier. Comprehensive eye exam reimbursement has been stuck at $47 for 25 years (Medicare's 2025 national average is $43.67 for CPT 92229 AI-based DR screening). Only ~10% of California Optometric Association members accept Medi-Cal. Combined with the AJO study showing Black/Hispanic DR patients face higher 1-year blindness risk, this strengthens the case for FQHC vision-care expansion — particularly for the 32 CA FQHCs already operating optometry. NACHC's October 2025 Vision Services Expansion brief notes only 26% of CHCs nationally provide vision care; just 3% of patients access it. Strategic opportunity for FQHCs with diabetes panels: paired AI DR screening (LumineticsCore, EyeArt, AEYE-DS) + InfantSEE + VSP Eyes of Hope partnership unlocks revenue + closes a documented health equity gap.
Key takeaways
- Only 10% of CA Optometric Association members accept Medi-Cal — FQHC vision capacity is the gap-filler the state needs. Position grant/contract pursuit accordingly
- $47 reimbursement (25-year freeze) is below FQHC clinic break-even. Pair Medi-Cal vision with AI DR screening (CPT 92229), InfantSEE, VSP Eyes of Hope to make economics work
- Use this CalMatters citation in advocacy for $47 rate update — pairs with NACHC Oct 2025 Vision Services Expansion brief (26% CHCs provide vision, 3% patients access)
Primary source
CalMattersFQHC Talent. (2026, April 2). CalMatters: Only 16% of CA Medi-Cal Kids Got Eye Exams 2022-2024, Down From 19% — Reimbursement Stuck at $47 for 25 Years. Primary source: CalMatters. Retrieved May 12, 2026, from https://www.fqhctalent.com/intel/calmatters-medi-cal-kids-vision-crisis-april-2026
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