When is medical ophthalmological rehabilitation advisable, and how can I apply for it?

Despite optimal surgical or drug therapy, visual functions remain permanently impaired in many ophthalmological diseases. The effects of this loss of function on social and professional participation are often underestimated and are usually complex and multifaceted. Multimodal ophthalmic rehabilitation therefore aims to maintain or restore earning capacity, reduce the limitations caused by the loss of function, improve (vision-related) quality of life, and enable sustainable inclusion and active participation in everyday social and professional life. In order to achieve the rehabilitation goals agreed upon with the patient, the multi-professional rehabilitation team draws up an individual rehabilitation plan consisting of various classifiable and, in some cases, operationalizable therapeutic services. The application for rehabilitation differs depending on the cost bearer: If the person concerned is employed and subject to social insurance contributions, they apply for rehabilitation from the statutory pension insurance. The treating ophthalmologist can support the application with a findings report (S0051: Findings report for the German pension insurance). If the person concerned receives an old-age or disability pension, the treating ophthalmologist applies for rehabilitation via parts B to E of prescription form Muster 61 to the statutory health insurance fund. If an accident at work is the cause of the visual impairment, the responsible employers’ liability insurance association or accident insurance fund will usually take action independently.