Eligibility Criteria for Disability Tax Credit for Vision Impairment

A patient can qualify for disability tax credit for the vision section if they are considered blind, even with the use of corrective lenses or medication. To be considered blind the visual acuity in both eyes must be 20/200 or less (6/60) using the Snellen Chart (or equivalent). Alternatively, they are also considered blind if the greatest diameter of the field of vision in both eyes is 20 degrees or less. If your medical doctor or optometrist has answered ‘yes’ to either scenario, the form will ask you to enter the year when your blindness began and your visual acuity/field after correction.

How Visual Impairment affects the Person’s Daily Life

Poor vision makes daily activities such as reading, shopping, cooking, writing, and watching television difficult to do, and can affect people of all ages. For example, it is common for children with cerebral palsy to develop vision impairment. In this example, this can contribute to the child experiencing a developmental delay, as seeing is an important part of a child’s emotional and cognitive development. According to studies, as many as 75% of children with cerebral palsy experience visual acuity. Acuity refers to the clearness of a person’s vision, and lack of clarity causes difficulties when processing visual information. Children most at risk of developmental delays caused by visual impairment are infants and toddlers. This age group’s development is especially vulnerable, as development growth phase achievements are expected during this period.

The four main eye conditions leading to vision impairment include

1. Age-related macular degeneration,
2. Glaucoma,
3. Cataracts, and
4. Diabetic retinopathy

Macular degeneration is the loss of central vision, whereas glaucoma is the result of optic nerve damage and visual field loss. In addition, cataract is a common visual impairment amongst the elderly. Diabetic retinopathy is visual impairment caused by the patient’s diabetes.

Regarding all age groups, visual impairment can cause several daily living difficulties. This includes accidents from the inability to properly navigate themselves around their surroundings. In addition, a person’s visual impairment can negatively impact their learning. This was previously discussed regarding a child’s developmental delays. Learning difficulties include the inability to learn how to read and write due to poor vision. Visual impairment causes an inability to understand one’s surroundings. These struggles can result in behavioural problems.

Lastly, patients with vision impairments require assistance and have difficulty functioning independently on a daily basis. Training is required in many instances, where patients are trained in orientation and mobility. Assisting the blind can include human efforts and guide/mobility dogs. If a fellow civilian wishes to offer their assistance, it is important to approach the visually impaired person by asking if they need help. If help is needed, allow them to hold your arm or just below the elbow. Keep in mind that the person may have a cane or guide dog. If this is the case, walk on the opposite side to avoid colliding with it. It is important to not feed, pat, or talk to a dog with a harness as this is a guide/mobility dog and must not be distracted when on duty.