No application shall be approved until the applicant has been examined by an ophthalmologist or by a licensed optometrist designated or approved by the state department to make such examinations, and said applicant shall be permitted to choose whether the examination will be made by an ophthalmologist or by an optometrist. The examining ophthalmologist or optometrist shall certify in writing upon forms provided by the state department the findings of the examination.
This section shall apply to all state, county, or municipal agencies handling or administering public or private funds or private agencies handling public funds in connection with any of their visual care programs for children or adults. Sections 73-51-1 through 73-51-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, shall apply in actions to correct any violation of this section.