[nabs-l] Voc Rehab request denied

[Suzanne Germano]

I requested that voc rehab pay for me to have and comprehensive examination
and contacts lenses from Eye Associates in Indiana. The specialize in
Achromatopsia and spend 4 hours working to find the right color contacts to
match each person's needs.

I have used red lenses for years but now that I am back in school and
reading a lot and the classrooms are extremely bright. I have found the
need to find a better color.

They denied it because they use 3 vendors in Arizona (where I live) for low
vision services. None of these 3 do the extensive exam. In Indiana I try on
several color actual contacts then see how they work for reading how they
work with my sunglasses for out side. My prescription is in glasses because
it makes my near vision (which I use mostly at school) very blurry) But I
need the color filter due to extreme photophobia.

I only asked for the cost of the exam (above medicare) and the actual
contacts. I did nto ask them to cover any transportation costs.

They claim they cannot use out of state services if it is available in
Arizona. I explained that yes they have low vision exams but none can do
what the one in Indiana can do. One even tried to tell me to have my
prescription in my clear contacts then have multiple colored glasses even
after I explained I cannot do the script in the contacts or I cannot read,
use my computer, write without a headache from it being blurry.

I filed an appeal but my appointment is May 14th. I am going when I will
already be in the midwest for my daughter's college graduation.

Any pointers?