Visual aids

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must:

• be an Ontario resident
• have a valid Ontario health card
• have long-term low vision or blindness in at least one eye that can’t be corrected with surgery, regular glasses or contact lenses (for example, corrected vision in the better eye in range of 20/70 or less)

Who does not qualify

You do not qualify if:

• you already qualify for or are receiving financial support from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board for the same visual aid(s)
• you are a Group “A” veteran and already qualify for or are receiving financial support from Veterans Affairs Canada for the same visual aid(s)

Types of visual aids covered

Through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), we help cover the cost of:

• specialized glasses, magnifiers and other optical aids
• audio players for reading books
• Perkins and other manual braillers for writing
• CCTV and computer-based reading and writing systems
• white canes for orientation and mobility

We do not cover the costs of:

• braille watches
• GPS systems
• regular eyeglasses
• scleral contact lenses
• talking clocks and calculators

Replacements

You can apply to replace a visual aid if:

• your medical condition changes and the visual aid no longer meets your needs
• the visual aid is worn out, no longer covered by warranty and cannot be repaired at a reasonable cost

We do not cover costs to replace a lost visual aid, nor for repairs to aids damaged through misuse or neglect.

How much is covered

When you purchase most types of visual aids, the ADP-registered business that sold you the visual aid will bill the ADP directly for 75% of the cost. You must pay the remaining 25% directly to the business.

The ADP sets the prices that registered businesses can charge for most types of visual aids. Registered businesses cannot charge more than the price set by the ADP. When setting these prices, the ADP considers:

• manufacturer’s and/or distributor’s costs
• complexity of device

For optical aids, the ADP covers 75% of the cost up to a set amount.

You will be responsible for paying the remaining balance, which may exceed 25% of the set amount, depending on the device’s cost.

Getting up to 100% coverage

We cover up to 100% of the cost for visual aids, if you receive financial support from one of these programs:

• Ontario Works
• Ontario Disability Support Program
• Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities

Apply for visual aids

Follow these 3 steps to apply to get help paying for a visual aid:

Step 1: Get examined

Who you see for the examination depends on the type of visual aid you need.

Use the chart below:

The specialist or worker examining you must be registered with the ADP. Please email us at adp@ontario.ca for a list of registered specialists or workers near you.

During the examination, the specialist or worker will help you fill out the application form. They will also recommend the type of equipment that best suits your needs.

If you have low vision, you can apply for up to:

• three optical aids (one for near viewing, one for mid-range viewing, and one for distance viewing)
• one reading aid
• one writing aid
• one orientation and mobility aid

If you have no functional vision, you can apply for up to:

• one reading aid
• one low tech writing aid
• one high tech writing aid
• one orientation and mobility aid

Step 2: Find a business that sells visual aids

The business must also be registered with the ADP. These businesses sell either high-technology (including computerized) or low-technology visual aids.

You can buy a visual aid from a business that is not registered with the ADP, but only in either of the following cases:

• you need a type of high-technology equipment and there is no registered business within 100 km of where you live
• you need a computer, monitor, or printer

Follow these steps to apply for buying a visual aid from a non-registered business.

Step 3: Submit the completed form

The registered business will help you complete the application form and will electronically submit the completed form to the ADP.

What happens next

We aim to review your application within 8 weeks of receiving it.

If you order or buy the visual aid(s) before hearing from us, and your application is denied, you are responsible for the full cost.

If your application has been denied, you will receive a letter from us telling you the reason for the denial and how you can follow up, including appealing our decision.

It is important to follow steps 1 to 3 above before purchasing your visual aid(s). If you order or buy your visual aid(s) before these steps have been completed, you are responsible for paying the full cost.

If your application is approved

If your application is approved, we will notify the business and authorizer. They will contact you to let you know our decision, and to arrange a time for the visual aid(s) to be delivered to you (if not already provided). When you get your visual aid(s), you must pay your share. The ADP pays the business directly for our portion.

Buying from a non-registered business

To buy from a non-registered business, you must follow these steps:

1. Pay the full cost of the device up front. It can’t cost more than the ADP list price.
2. Submit the application form. You have to do this within a year from the date you were assessed. Applications received after 1 year will be automatically declined.

3. Send the completed form to the ADP by:

   Email: adp@ontario.ca

   Fax: 416-327-8192

   Mail: Assistive Devices Program
   5700 Yonge Street, 7th Floor
   Toronto, Ontario
   M2M 4K5

4. We aim to review your application within 8 weeks. Within a week of completing our review you will receive a letter by mail with your application status and file number – which you need to include in your invoice for reimbursement.

5. Print a copy of the approval letter, attach your receipt signed and marked paid in full, and send to:     

   Ministry of Health
   Financial Management Branch
   Program Payments Unit
   P.O. Box 48, 49 Place d’Armes, 2nd Floor
   Kingston, Ontario
   K7L 5J3

Getting reimbursed

We will reimburse you directly for 75% of the device’s ADP price, within 4 weeks of receiving your invoice(s).

You can have payments directly deposited into your bank account. Fill out and submit this form to us to set up direct deposit.

Otherwise, payments will be made by cheque mailed to you. Payment by direct deposit is faster, more secure, and less likely to be delayed by factors outside of ADP’s control.