1055.000.00  VISION (AB)

1055.005.00  BLINDNESS (AB ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA)

The December 1973 eligibility requirement defines a blind person as one 'who does not have vision, with or without proper adjusted glasses, up to but not including 5/200, or whose best visual field is 5 degrees as tested with 5 milli-meter target or perimeter'.  In regard to the method of determining blindness, no application may be approved until the applicant has been examined by an ophthalmologist, a physician skilled in diseases of the eye, or an optometrist, designated or approved by the Family Support Division to make such examinations.  The examining ophthalmologist or optometrist must use forms provided by the Family Support Division to certify in writing the findings of the examination. The examination shall provided for by the Family Support Division without charge to the applicant, and shall be paid as an administrative expense.

1055.010.00  STATE SUPERVISING OPHTHALMOLOGIST

A State Supervising Ophthalmologist is employed by the Family Support Division.  The principal duties are:

  1. reviewing the appropriate forms to establish the claimant's visual eligibility;
  2. participating in the development of forms and procedures;
  3. selecting approved examiners;
  4. through the state office, advising on individual case situations relating to medical services for the visually handicapped;
  5. reviewing cases appealed on the basis of vision;
  6. reviewing and approving examination reports under the Blind Pension and Prevention of Blindness programs.

1055.015.00  ELIGIBILITY BASED ON VISUAL ELIGIBILITY

The procedures to be used in establishing the visual eligibility are:

  1. Select an ophthalmologist or optometrist or a physician skilled in diseases of the eye who accepts the Medicaid rate.  Usually the examiner nearest to the claimant is selected since the claimant is expected to provide his own transportation, if able to travel.  If the claimant is unable to travel and an examination in the home is required, arrangements may be made with an examiner who is willing to examine the claimant at the claimant's home.  An additional $5.00 will be paid to cover the cost of the trip.
  2. Make the appointment for the examination, and send a copy of the visual examination form (IM-68) to the examiner.
  3. The Examination Report is submitted by FSD to the State Supervising Ophthalmologist for review and decision.
  4. If the State Supervising Ophthalmologist indicates 'eligible' on the returned form, and if the claimant meets all other eligibility criteria, the case can be approved.  If the form indicates the claimant is ineligible based on vision criteria, reject the application or close the case.  If the Supervising Ophthalmologist recommends another examination before visual eligibility can be determined, a second examination must be performed by an examiner designated by FSD.
  5. If the claimant is eligible based on vision criteria, the State Supervising Ophthalmologist indicates the date for the next examination.