For the purposes of AB, a blind person is one who has no vision or who, even with the help of glasses or other device, has not sufficient ocular power for the ordinary affairs of life. This general definition is stated in the following technical terms:

A blind person shall be one whose vision is 20/200 or less in the better eve with the Standard Snellen Chart and whose vision cannot be remedied or improved. If the vision in the better eye is more than 20/200 but is accompanied by a contraction of the peripheral field to such an extent that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees it is considered as coming within the definition. Eligibility also exists for persons with an aphakic eye with a vision of 20/70 in the better eye.

No assistance may be granted or continued to any person who refuses medical, surgical, or other treatment when his eyesight may be partially or wholly restored by such treatment, provided that written reports have been obtained from three properly qualified and licensed ophthalmologists, one selected by the applicant, one by the State Agency, and one by the first two. A person's physical inability to go through with recommended eye surgery must also be determined by ophthalmologists and not by general medical practitioner. Obviously the county agency and the ophthalmologist should work with the client in carrying out any medical plan. In a situation in which the applicant is willing to follow recommendations for remedical eye care, it must be understood between client and county agency that arrangements for such eye care must be completed within 60 days after the date on which the initial AB grant becomes effective.

The definition of disability in this program involves two concepts that are both important and difficult to describe: permanent disability and total disability.

Permanent disability means a physical or mental impairment (or disability) of major importance that medical determination indicates is likely to continue throughout the lifetime of the individual and is not likely to be substantially improved by any known, available treatment that is not medically contraindicated.

A totally disabled person is one who is so disabled because of his impairment that he cannot be gainfully employed or be a homemaker. Total disability involves a consideration of emotional and occupational factors that determine whether it is possible for the person to carry on a useful occupation.

The AD law (Minn. Stat., Sec. 245.40) provides in part:

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  “Assistance under sections 245.21 to 245.43 shall not be granted or continued to any applicant or recipient who unreasonably refuses medical care when the condition making him a totally and permanently disabled individual may be partially or wholly remedied by such care, and a certificate in writing to that effect is made by the properly qualified and licensed physicians, one selected by the affected person, one selected by the State agency, and one selected by these two.”