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extent that the widest diameter of visual field subtends an angular distance of no greater than 20 degrees.49

2412.10.00 VERIFICATION OF THE VISUAL REQUIREMENT (MED 1) The policy stated in this section only applies to the MA B and MA R categories of assistance. The visual requirement is verified as follows50: • The applicant is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits as a "blind individual", "blind child", or "blind spouse".51 This is verifiable by the State Data Exchange (SDX); or • If the applicant alleges to be receiving SSI based on blindness, but it is not verifiable through the SDX, the applicant can obtain proof of SSI Blind status from the Social Security Administration. This verification must be directly issued by the SSA and must be current within 30 days: or • The Medicaid Medical Review Team reviews visual information submitted by the eligibility worker and determines that the person meets the definition of blindness. When blindness cannot be verified by the SDX or statement from the SSA, the MMRT will decide of blindness. The policy and procedures outlined below are to be followed by eligibility workers.

If both applicant’s eyes are missing, a statement from a medical practitioner is required. This is merely corroborating evidence, not a full examination, and can be a certification from any medical professional treating the applicant including the ocularist who fitted the individual’s prosthetic eyes. This certification can be a current statement or copy of existing medical records in which the fact that the individual’s eyes are missing is noted.

In all other situations, the applicant will be required to have an eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist52 licensed in the State of Indiana.53 The requirement to have an eye examination is applicable even for the applicant who objects to such on religious grounds.54 The report must be based on an examination given not more than six months prior to the date of the eye examiner's report.55 The findings of the eye doctor must be submitted on Form 45, Physician's/ Optometrist's Report on Eye Examination. The caseworker is to send the eye report to the doctor, or the applicant, if able to do so, may take the forms to the doctor on the date of the appointment. The caseworker should follow up to be sure that the doctor received the forms. If the doctor prefers, he may submit a letter containing the same information as the Form 45. The eligibility worker is responsible for carefully reviewing the eye report to ensure that all items are completed, and the form is legible, signed and dated by the doctor. The complete packet of visual information is submitted to the MMRT.