Help With Low Vision
FRONT COVER OF THE JANUARY 2005 JOURNAL: A low vision research study, conducted by Dr. Kaminski and his colleague, was on the front cover of this leading Optometry journal.
CHILDREN/ SCHOOL AGE PATIENTS: In many cases good funding/ coverage is available 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 Sources: 1) 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. 2) Special education services within a student's school can co-manage training and adaptation. Private/ insurance Sources: 1) 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). 2) Additional payment sources include Lions Clubs and some Vison Service Plan (VSP) and Spectera insurance policies.
PATIENTS WHO ARE EMPLOYED/ COLLEGE STUDENTS: In most cases good funding/ coverage for low vision services and devices is available. 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 Sources: 1) 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. 2) 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/ insurance Sources: 1) 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). 2) Additional payment sources include Lions Clubs and some Vison Service Plan (VSP) and Spectera insurance policies.
RETIRED/ OLDER PATIENTS: Fair 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: 1) General medical insurances 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). 2) 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). 3) Other sources include Lions Clubs and some Vison Service Plan (VSP) and Spectera insurance policies. Government Sources (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.