Visual impairment and the Ontario Disability Support Program

To report on the 2003-2013 trends in sociodemographics, financial support, and use of vision care benefits by visually impaired (VI) individuals in the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

Retrospective analysis.

ODSP recipients with a VI diagnosis from 2003 to 2013.

ODSP administrative data were analyzed. VI diagnoses were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes. Diabetes was excluded and then included as part of the VI definition.

Per 100 000 population, the age-standardized number of VI recipients increased from 35 in 2003 to 39 (p < 0.05) in 2013 when diabetes was excluded from the analyses. The mean age of VI recipients increased from 43 to 46 years. Females and married/common-law status consistently represented 42% and 23% of VI individuals, respectively. The financial value of in-kind benefits (e.g., providing shelter cost) and "cash" assistance grew in parallel over the 11 years. The total financial support in 2013 Canadian dollars increased from 81 million dollars in 2003 to 102 million dollars in 2013. Use of ODSP-provided vision care benefits ranged from 0.6% to 1.9% for eye examinations and eyeglasses, from 0.3% to 0.8% for optical visual aids, and from 3.4% to 4.2% for guide dogs. Results were strongly similar when diabetes was included in the analyses.

The ODSP-supported VI recipients and related financial support increased significantly from 2003 to 2013. The ODSP-provided vision care benefits were seldom used. Studies are needed to understand reasons for the reported increased number of VI recipients and the low use of vision care benefits.