# 42 CFR § 435.531: Determinations of blindness

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.531

## Section

- **Citation:** 42 CFR § 435.531
- **Heading:** Determinations of blindness
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 42—Public Health > CHAPTER IV—CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES > SUBCHAPTER C—MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS > PART 435—ELIGIBILITY IN THE STATES, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS, AND AMERICAN SAMOA > Subpart F—Categorical Requirements for Eligibility > 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 CFR § 435.520 § 435.520 Age requirements for the aged.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.520.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.530 § 435.530 Definition of blindness.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.530.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.531 § 435.531 Determinations of blindness.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.531.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.540 § 435.540 Definition of disability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.540.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.541 § 435.541 Determinations of disability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.541.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.550 § 435.550 Basis and scope.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.550.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.551 § 435.551 Applicable individual.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.551.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.552 § 435.552 Demonstrating community engagement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.552.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.553 § 435.553 Mandatory exceptions for certain applicable individuals.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.553.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.554 § 435.554 Specified excluded individuals.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.554.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.555 § 435.555 Optional exception for short-term hardship events.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.555.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.556 § 435.556 Assessing compliance with the community engagement requirement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.556.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.557 § 435.557 Verifying compliance with or exception or exclusion from the community engagement requirement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.557.md)
- [42 CFR § 435.558 § 435.558 Noncompliance procedures.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.558.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-435.531. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.