Referral to VISIT Services is usually:

• By parents, infant learning program teachers, community therapists,
  physicians, and public health nurses.
• Via phone, fax, or mail.
• Only after parent permission for the referral has been given to the referring agency.

Part C vision impairment eligibility in Alaska is based on established and high-risk conditions.

I. The following diagnoses indicate Significant/Progressive Vision Impairment Part C eligibility:

• Cerebral Vision Impairment: 377.7
• Optic Nerve Glioma: 191.9
• Optic Nerve Hypoplasia: 743.57
• Bilateral Retinoblastoma: 190.6
• Retinopathy of Prematurity (Stage IV or V): 362.21
• Bilateral Peter’s Anomaly: 743.44
• Retinal Dystrophy/Leber’s Congenital Amerousis: 362.7
• A designation of Legal Blindness as determined by an ophthalmologist

II. The following diagnoses frequently qualify as Significant/Progressive Vision Impairment:

• Albinism: 270.2
• Bilateral Congenital Cataracts: 743.3
• Delayed Visual Maturation: 377.71
• Glaucoma: 365.00
• Homonymous Field Defect: 368.45
• Microphthalmia: 743.1
• Nystagmus, Congenital: 379.51
• Optic Atrophy: 377.1
• Retinal Detachment: 361.0
• Visual Field Defect: 368.4

However, even within one diagnosis there can be a wide range of visual functioning between individuals. Therefore, final Part C eligibility is determined by:

• An assessment of functional vision/developmental visual skills completed by a vision impairment educational specialist,
• Consideration of other medical/developmental concerns, and
• Findings of an ophthalmological exam.

III. Clinical Opinion

There can also be a qualification of Significant/Progressive Vision Impairment by clinical opinion when there is a high risk for a vision impairment diagnosis due to medical history (prematurity, birth injury, IVH, diagnosed syndrome, etc.) and visual skills less than expected for developmental age as assessed by a vision impairment educational specialist.