The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Consumer" means any person receiving a service provided by the Low Vision Program of the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI).

"DBVI" means the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired.

"Department" means the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired.

"Low vision" means reduced visual functioning. It is the condition that exists when no further medical or surgical procedures or regular prescription lenses are beneficial but residual vision exists.

"Low vision aids" means optical and nonoptical devices that are prescribed for the purpose of enhancing low vision.

"Low vision services" means all aspects that are necessary to the comprehensive provision of services, i.e., assistance and supports provided to an individual who has low vision, including preexamination, evaluations, low vision examination, provision of prescribed low vision aids, and follow-up training and counseling in the use of low vision aids.

An individual may be eligible for low vision services if the individual's corrected visual acuity vision is 20/70 or worse in the better eye and the consumer has met individual meets the eligibility requirements of at least one of the following department programs: education services, vocational rehabilitation, or rehabilitation teaching and independent living.

An ophthalmological or optometrical eye report shall be required before a low vision examination is scheduled. The eye examination report shall have been made be dated within one year from the date of the scheduled low vision examination; except where the eye condition is stable, the eye examination may have been made within two years from the date of the scheduled low vision examination.

A. Low vision examination. An authorization form may be issued by the agency a DBVI case manager may be prepared to pay for the examination through an appropriate payment source in the agency as long as department if funds are available. There is shall be no charge cost to the consumer individual seeking low vision services for a low vision examination as long as funds are available for this activity as determined by the agency department.

B. Low vision aids. Consumer An individual's financial participation in the cost of low vision aids will shall be determined according to regulations promulgated by the sponsoring DBVI program in accordance with the applicable DBVI policies.

C. Individuals who are not receiving services through other DBVI programs shall be responsible for the full cost of low vision services.