Abstract
The purpose of this report is to present the results of Brandeis University's evaluation of
beneficiaries’ experiences of the Low Vision Rehabilitation Demonstration (LVRD).
The LVRD was authorized by Section 645 of the 2003 Medicare Prescription Drug,
Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (P.L.-173), which directed the Secretary to
conduct "a study to determine the feasibility and advisability of providing for payment
for vision rehabilitation services furnished by vision rehabilitation professionals ...
(including) ... an orientation and mobility specialist, a rehabilitation teacher, or a low
vision therapist." Conference report language from the House bill (H.R. 2673) specified
a five-year demonstration and authorized first-year funding of $2 million. The Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) used these authorities to develop a
demonstration to begin in 2006 with spending up to $2 million annually