Vision Impairment

Oregon Secretary of State Administrative Rules

Vision Impairment

(1) If a child is suspected of having a vision impairment, the following evaluation must be conducted:

(a) Medical statement. A medical statement by an ophthalmologist or optometrist licensed by a State Board of Examiners indicating whether the child has a vision impairment;

(b) Vision assessment. An assessment by a teacher of the visually impaired to identify the child's educational and compensatory needs, including a functional assessment of the child's residual visual acuity or field of vision.

(c) Other: Any additional assessments necessary to determine the impact of the suspected disability:

(A) On the child's educational performance for a school-age child; or

(B) On the child's developmental progress for a preschool child.

(2) To be eligible as a child with a vision impairment, the child must 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 subsections (2)(a) or (b); or

(d) The assessment results of a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist are inconclusive, and the child demonstrates inadequate use of residual vision.

(3) For a child to be eligible for special education services as a child with vision impairment, the eligibility team must also determine that:

(a) The child's disability has an adverse impact on the child's educational performance; and

(b) The child needs special education services as a result of the disability.