# 42 C.F.R. § 435.531 (2026): Determinations of blindness

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_531

## Section

- **Citation:** 42 C.F.R. § 435.531 (2026)
- **Heading:** Determinations of blindness
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 42 CFR: Public Health / Chapter IV: CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES / Part 435: ELIGIBILITY IN THE STATES, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS, AND AMERICAN SAMOA / Subpart F: Categorical Requirements for Eligibility / § 435.531: § 435.531   Determinations of blindness.

## Text

(a) Except as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, in determining blindness—
(1) 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;
(2) The examiner must submit a report of examination to the Medicaid agency; and
(3) 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—
(i) Whether the individual meets the definition of blindness; and
(ii) Whether and when re-examinations are necessary for periodic redeterminations of eligibility, as required under § 435.916 of this part.
(b) If an agency provides Medicaid to individuals receiving SSI on the basis of blindness, this section does not apply for those individuals.
[43 FR 45204, Sept. 29, 1978, as amended at 44 FR 17937, Mar. 23, 1979]

## Nearby sections

- [42 C.F.R. § 435.500 (2026) § 435.500   Scope.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_500.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.520 (2026) § 435.520   Age requirements for the aged.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_520.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.530 (2026) § 435.530   Definition of blindness.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_530.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.531 (2026) § 435.531   Determinations of blindness.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_531.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.540 (2026) § 435.540   Definition of disability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_540.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.541 (2026) § 435.541   Determinations of disability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_541.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.550 (2026) § 435.550   Basis and scope.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_550.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.551 (2026) § 435.551   Applicable individual.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_551.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.552 (2026) § 435.552   Demonstrating community engagement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_552.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.553 (2026) § 435.553   Mandatory exceptions for certain applicable individuals.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_553.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.554 (2026) § 435.554   Specified excluded individuals.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_554.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.555 (2026) § 435.555   Optional exception for short-term hardship events.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_555.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.556 (2026) § 435.556   Assessing compliance with the community engagement requirement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_556.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 435.557 (2026) § 435.557   Verifying compliance with or exception or exclusion from the community engagement requirement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_557.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P435_S435_531. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.