Visual Impairment

Visual Impairment is another disabling condition which is more medically based. The criteria are:

• The visual acuity with correction is 20/70 or worse in the better eye; or
  
• The visual acuity is better than 20/70 with correction in the better eye, and there is documentation of either of the following conditions: a diagnosed progressive loss of vision or a visual field of 40 degrees or less;
  
• The visual acuity is unable to be determined by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist, and the existence of functional vision loss is supported by functional vision assessment findings; or
  
• There is evidence of cortical visual impairment, and
  
• The student’s visual impairment adversely affects his or her educational and functional performance. The adverse effects of the visual impairment on the child’s educational performance require specialized instruction and related services.

A few major types of visual impairments that I have worked with in the past include individuals with nystagmus and optic nerve detachment. These individuals often come to the school with a diagnosis from an eye doctor so the involvement of a school psychologist in an evaluation role is somewhat limited.