Assisting With Low Vision Issues
Low Vision Service Resources
Children/ School Age Patients:
Good funding/ coverage for low vision services and devices. Most services and devices are through the government sources below. Some spectacles can be provided through vision insurances. Although a person may or may not appear to qualify for low vision programs, an evaluation is recommended when their vision function status needs clarification or a person simply desires to see better.
Government:
- Michigan Commission For the Blind (if visual acuity 20/70 in best eye or a significant visual field deficit is present). This organization needs specific eye care details for prior authorization to start low vision care.
- Special education services within a student’s school can co-manage training and adaptation.
Private/ insurances:
- General Medical Insurance such as BCBS, Aetna (qualifies for low vision training/follow up beyond consult or evaluation if visual acuity 20/70 or less in best eye).
- VSP (some policies)
- Lions Clubs
Patients Who Are Employed/ College Students:
Good funding/ coverage for low vision services and devices. Most services and devices are through the government sources below. Some spectacles can be provided through vision insurances. Although a person may or may not appear to qualify for low vision programs, an evaluation is recommended when their vision function status needs clarification or a person simply desires to see better.
Government:
- Michigan Commission For the Blind (if visual acuity 20/100 in best eye or widest diameter of visual field in best eye 20 degrees or less). This organization needs specific eye care details for prior authorization to start low vision care.
- Michigan Rehabilitation Service (visual acuity between 20/50 and 20/100 or significant visual field loss). This organization needs specific eye care details for prior authorization to start low vision care.
Private/ insurances:
- General Medical Insurance such as BCBS, Aetna (qualifies for low vision training/follow up beyond consult or evaluation if visual acuity 20/70 or less in best eye).
- VSP (some policies)
- Lions Clubs
Retired/ Older Patients:
Good coverage/ funding for clinical low vision services but poor for low vision devices. Most services are provided through Medicare and secondary medical insurances. Most devices are obtained through private pay or Lions Clubs. Some spectacles can be provided through vision insurances. Although a person may or may not appear to qualify for low vision programs, an evaluation is recommended when their vision function status needs clarification or a person simply desires to see better.
Private/ insurances:
- General Medical Insurance such as BCBS, Aetna (qualifies for low vision training/follow up beyond consult or evaluation if visual acuity 20/70 or less in best eye).
- Age 65 or older: Medicare (qualifies for low vision training/follow up beyond consult or evaluation if visual acuity 20/70 or less in best eye).
- VSP (some policies)
- Lions Clubs
Government (age 55 or older):
- Michigan Commission For the Blind (if visual acuity 20/100 in best eye or widest diameter of visual field in best eye 20 degrees or less). This organization needs specific eye care details for prior authorization to start low vision care.
Clinical Research Published in Eye Care Journals
