42 CFR § 436.531 - Determination of blindness.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t42/s436.531"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "42 CFR § 436.531 - Determination of blindness."
title_number: 42
title_name: "Public Health"
section_number: "436.531"
section_name: "Determination of blindness."
chapter_name: "CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES"
subchapter_number: "C"
subchapter_name: "MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS"
part_number: "436"
part_name: "ELIGIBILITY IN GUAM, PUERTO RICO, AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "Sec. 1102 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1302)."
regulatory_source: "43 FR 45218, Sept. 29, 1978, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "436"
---


# 436.531 Determination of blindness.

In determining blindness—

(a) A physician skilled in the diseases of the eye or an optometrist, whichever the individual selects, must examine him, unless both of the applicant's eyes are missing;

(b) The examiner must submit a report of examination to the Medicaid agency; and

(c) A physician skilled in the diseases of the eye (for example, an ophthalmologist or an eye, ear, nose, and throat specialist) must review the report and determine on behalf of the agency—

(1) Whether the individual meets the definition of blindness; and

(2) Whether and when reexaminations are necessary for periodic redeterminations of eligibility, as required under § 435.916 of this subchapter. Blindness is considered to continue until the reviewing physician determines that the beneficiary's vision no longer meets the definition.

[43 FR 45218, Sept. 29, 1978, as amended at 44 FR 17939, Mar. 23, 1979]