Notice: This CMS-approved document has been submitted - Philips ...

CMS-1403-FC
of this final regulation is not to withdraw coverage of low
vision aids but to codify in regulations our longstanding
practice of not covering these devices.
In the May 1, 2006 proposed rule, we proposed to
clarify under proposed §411.15(b) that the scope of the
eyeglass coverage exclusion encompasses all devices
irrespective of their size, form, or technological features
that use one or more lenses to aid vision or provide
magnification of images for impaired vision. This proposed
regulatory provision would clarify that the statute does
not support the interpretation that the term "eyeglasses"
only applies to lenses supported by frames that pass around
the nose and ears. The underlying technology and the
function of eyeglasses are to use lenses to assist persons
with impaired vision. Dorland’s Illustrated Medical
Dictionary (28 th Ed. 1994) defines “eyeglass” simply as a
“lens for aiding sight.” Low vision aids depend on the use
of a lens to aid vision. For example, computers can use
lenses to enlarge print to help individuals who need visual
assistance in reading. The Cleveland Clinic on its Web
site, under the heading of “Coping with Vision Loss”, lists
examples of popular low vision aids. The examples include
telescopic glasses, lenses that filter light, magnifying
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