Cost of low-vision devices
The Clinic maintains an inventory of devices and spectacles that are prescribed frequently. These can be dispensed through the Clinic and purchased following an assessment. All low vision aids are dispensed on a fee for service basis, in accordance with the Ontario Association of Optometrist Fee Schedule Guidelines.
Funding for Devices
Assistance for the cost of visual aids may be available from:
- Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
- School Boards
- ODSP/ACSD/OW
- OSAP
- Employers or employee benefit plans
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Service Club
Used Equipment
High Technology vision aids such as CCTVs that are no longer on the Assitive Devices Program Catalogue are sold. The most frequently available items are CCTVs. Prices vary from $200 to $300 depending on the model. All sales are final, so purchasers should be familiar with CCTVs prior to purchasing. Appointments to look at sale units are not possible.
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
An important factor in our provision of low vision services is the Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP). This is a unique provincial program that pays up to 75% of an approved maximum towards the cost of authorized devices for people who have long term disabilities.
The Centre for Sight Enhancement has an ongoing contract with the Ministry for the provision of assessment and authorization services for high technology sight enhancement devices being funded under the ADP program. ADP funding is restricted to specialized equipment for use in the home or to assist with activities of daily living, and not devices whose use is restricted to school or work.
Eligibility for the subsidized provision of low vision devices through ADP is determined exclusively by the following conditions: the functional vision impairment must be long-term and cannot be corrected medically, surgically or with regular glasses or contact lenses, and applicants must reside in the province of Ontario.