Referral ProcessBy Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com Updated June 13, 2025 Having taught students with visual impairments in North Carolina, Ohio, and Georgia, I am aware that it is important to keep in mind that each state and/or agency may have different eligibility guidelines or criteria. The following is the typical sequence to follow when a student is going through the initial referral process. STEP 1: Identify ConcernsThe referral process begins when concerns about a student’s vision are raised by a parent/caregiver, teacher, therapist, or school nurse. In some cases, the student may report having difficulty seeing. Regardless of the source, recognizing and documenting these concerns is the essential first step.
STEP 2: Obtain a Current Eye ReportTo determine eligibility for vision services, the school or agency must receive a comprehensive eye report from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. The report must be dated within one year. A school vision screening is not sufficient for eligibility determination. If an eye report is not yet available, the parents or caregivers must schedule an appointment for a complete eye exam. Vision can change over time, especially in developing children, so up-to-date medical information is critical.
Note: For students with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), a diagnosis from a neurologist is also acceptable for initiating the referral process. STEP 3: Review by the (TVI)Once the eye report is received, the TVI reviews the document to gather information about:
After high school graduation or aging out of K–12 services, students may become eligible for services through Vocational Rehabilitation or programs for older adults, which rely more heavily on medical documentation. STEP 4: Conduct the FVLMAThe TVI conducts a Functional Vision and Learning Media Assessment, which includes:
STEP 5: Additional Assessments Based on Age and Needs
STEP 6: Determine Service Eligibility and Plan Support
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