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Visual Impairment - A visual impairment which, even with correction, adversely affects a child's educational performance. The term includes those children who are partially sighted or
blind.
Eligibility - If a child is suspected of having a vision impairment, the following evaluation shall be conducted:
(A) A medical statement by an ophthalmologist or optometrist licensed by a State Board of Examiners indicating that the
child has a vision impairment;
(B) Assessments to determine the impact of the suspected disability:
(i) On the child's educational performance when the child is at the age of eligibility for kindergarten through age 21; or
(ii) On the child's developmental progress when the child is age three through the age of eligibility for kindergarten; and
(C) Additional evaluations or assessments that are necessary to identify the child's educational needs, including a
functional assessment of the child's residual visual acuity or field of vision.
For a child suspected of having a vision impairment, the child shall meet one or more of the following minimum criteria:
(A) The child's residual acuity is 20/70 or less in the better eye with correction;
(B) The child's visual field is restricted to 20 degrees or less in the better eye;
(C) The child has an eye pathology or a progressive eye disease which in the opinion of the ophthalmologist is expected to
reduce either residual acuity or visual field according to the criteria stated in paragraphs (14)(b)(A) or (B); or
(D) The assessment results of a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist are inconclusive, or the child demonstrates
inadequate use of residual vision.
For a child to be eligible for special education services as a child with vision impairment, the child's multidisciplinary
team shall determine that:
(A) The child's disability has an adverse impact:
(i) On the child's educational performance when the child is at the age of eligibility for kindergarten through age 21; or
(ii) On the child's developmental progress when the child is age three through the age of eligibility for kindergarten; and
(B) The child needs special education services as a result of the disability.
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