1. (a) Note. Individuals with blindness as a primary disabling condition must be referred to the Division of State Services for the Blind.

2. (b)

   1. (1) Glasses, artificial eyes, and other visual services may be purchased if recommended by a current eye examination performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, in accordance with informed choice.

   2. (2) Glasses may be purchased only when necessary for the individual to:

      1. (A) Complete evaluation;
      2. (B) Enter or complete a rehabilitation service planned training program; or
      3. (C) Enter employment.
   3. (3) Glasses, ornamental, and/or expensive frames will not be purchased for cosmetic reasons.

3. (c)

   1. (1) Prosthetic eyes may be purchased for either cosmetic effect or functional use.
   2. (2) Plastic eyes should be purchased unless there are justifiable reasons for another type.

4. (d) Procedures — Glasses and artificial eyes.

   1. (1) Documentation of the action to be taken will be made in the case note.
   2. (2) Refer individual to an ophthalmologist from the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services vendor list for an eye examination.
   3. (3) Counselor will meet with individual to discuss findings of examination in accordance with informed choice and with similar benefits.

   4. (4)

      1. (A) Medical consultant’s review is required and attached to the ECF.
      2. (B) See Forms, Appendix E.
   5. (5) Refer to the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services vendor list or secure W-9 from new vendor.
   6. (6) The case management system will generate the status moves after required data is keyed for appropriate status.
   7. (7) Key required information into the case management system for Arkansas Rehabilitation Services purchase authorization.

   8. (8)

      1. (A) When device/service is received, verify the individual received device/service and can use device.
      2. (B) Document in the ECF.

   9. (9)

      1. (A) When billing statement is received, key required information into the case management system for payment.
      2. (B) Support staff will be responsible for making payments.
      3. (C) Payment will not be processed without an attached bill from the vendor.

Codification Notes: “ECF” means electronic case file.