Visual Impairments : Determining Eligibility for Social Security Benefits

Table of Contents

Tests of Visual Functions
Visual Task Performance
Other Means of Assessing Disability
Testing of Infants and Children
Recommendations

1 Introduction

Issues That Prompted the Study
Prevalence and Significance of Visual Impairments
The Social Security Context
The Committee's Approach
Organization of the Report

2 Tests of Visual Functions

Visual Acuity
Visual Fields
Contrast Sensitivity
Color Vision
Binocular Function
Visual Search
Glare and Light/Dark Adaptation
Visual Efficiency
Recommendations for Tests of Visual Functions

3 Visual Task Performance

Reading
Orientation and Mobility
Social Participation
Tool Use and Manipulation
Health-Related Quality of Life
Work Skills and Visual Functioning
Recommendations for Tests of Visual Task Performance

4 Assessment of Vision in Infants and Children

Assessment Issues
Visual Acuity
Visual Fields
Contrast Sensitivity

References

Appendix A Employment and Economic Consequences of Visual Impairment

Appendix B Public Forum on Visual Disability Determination Methods and Issues

Appendix C Glossary of Social Security Terms Related to Disability

Appendix D Biographical Sketches

Index

[ Top of Page ] [ National Academies Home ] [ Report Home ]