Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, Section 136 defines legal blindness as:
- Vision with correction of 20/200 or less in the better eye; or
- Peripheral field of ten degrees or less, regardless of visual acuity
The same law requires all eye care providers to report within 30 days all cases of legal blindness to MCB.
Eye care providers must file a Mandatory Report of Legal Blindness with MCB for each patient they determine is legally blind.
MCB will review the report and certify the determination of legal blindness.
MCB’s Blindness Registry will mail a letter of determination to the patient and the eye care provider.
If MCB certifies the determination of legal blindness, the patient will become registered with MCB and assigned a counselor.
The MCB counselor will contact the newly registered consumer for a complete explanation of benefits, programs, and services.
A person must be registered with MCB to receive services from the agency. All referrals for services should be made to the counselor assigned to the consumer.
For questions about eligibility and registration, contact the MCB Blindness Registry by email at BlindnessRegistry@mass.gov or by phone at 617-626-7415.