Guidelines for Documentation
The following documentation must be provided. Any report or supporting documentation should be provided by an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other qualified professional, and submitted on official letterhead.
IEP or 504 Plans will not be accepted as documentation of disability.
- Most recent date of assessment. If the condition is progressive or if the student expects a change in the condition in the next 12 months, documentation must be current (no more than 1 year old).
- Specific diagnosis, including the ICD-9 CM codes or equivalent criteria; assessment procedures used to reach the diagnosis; and a narrative summary of evaluation results, including visual acuity, use of corrective lenses, ongoing visual therapy (if appropriate), etc.
- A review of pertinent history, the date of first diagnosis, and a prognosis. If the visual impairment is cyclical or characterized by fluctuations in level of functioning, this should be explained.
- Discussion of the student's functional limitations. What is the current status of the student's vision (static or changing)? Are there substantial limitations to aspects of learning or other major life activities? If so, describe.
- Recommendations for appropriate accommodations, with rationale for each, such as appropriate assistive technology (e.g. CCTV, magnifiers, etc.), materials in alternate format (e.g. enlarged print, digital texts, Braille).
- If this condition is, or could be complicated by other medical conditions, this should be discussed.
