[Assessment of eye damage in private accident insurance in Austria]

In Austria, eye damage is assessed by private accident insurance underwriters in accordance with the "General Rules for Private Accident Insurance" (AUVB 1965). According to these rules the degree of invalidity is determined on the basis of three types of findings: 100% in the case of total loss of vision, 30% in the case of total loss of vision in one eye, and 60% if vision in the other eye had already been lost. In the case of complete loss of vision in one eye and simultaneous partial loss in the other, or partial deterioration of vision in both eyes, the basis for calculating the degree of invalidity is 50% for each eye. The respective degrees of disability are expressed in thirtieths. The degrees of disability are adjusted to the levels of reduction in earning capacity in accordance with the proposals of the German Ophthalmological Society, which are also recommended in Austria. The difference in the degree of disability according to the AUVB in Austria and the AUB in the Federal Republic of Germany, resulting from different methods of calculation, is pointed out. The degrees of disability for accidental damage to one or both eyes (without previous damage) are presented in tabular form. As regards visual field defects, the degree of disability should be assessed on the basis of the total visual field, taking into account the fact that the eyes are paired sensory organs.