EI Vision Services Guidance for Providers

Services for children birth to 3 with visual impairments are available through a few independent Vision Specialists that contract with the Early Intervention providers. Early Intervention providers working with children who need a consultation or services with a Vision Specialist should follow the steps outlined below.

Send the required documents to Stefanie Davit, Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities:

Fax: 401-456-1979
Email: sdavit@ric.edu
Phone: 401-456-8752

Required documents:

• EI Vision Assessment Screening Tool (from IFSP) 
• Vision Services Referral Form (English PDF)
• Two signed agency consent forms: 1.) EI program consent to “release/obtain information from” RIVESP, and 2.) RIVESP consent allowing RIVESP to “release and obtain information from” the child’s ophthalmologist. Parent must sign both. 

Process:

1. The Vision Specialist will contact the service coordinator. 
2. The Service Coordinator will conduct an IFSP update meeting with the family to add at least a 1 x Vision Specialist visit to the IFSP. The EI provider MUST make the Vision Specialist aware of the date Vision Services were added to the IFSP because the “30-day clock” is ticking. A copy of the complete IFSP must accompany the referral. 
3. The Service Coordinator and Vision Specialist should schedule a joint visit with the family to collaboratively determine desired outcomes, strategies and services. 
4. Service Coordinator updates Vision Services on the IFSP. 

Appointments for functional vision assessment

If an appointment with Dr. Waldorf for functional vision assessment is needed, the Service Coordinator should speak with Rick Andrade (Phone: 401-941-3322 Fax: 401-941-3356) to see if Dr. Waldorf accepts their insurance and what their copay will be as well as if this is an appropriate referral for the child. 

The required documents to be sent include two signed INSIGHT Release of Information Form/Consent (English PDF) and the INSIGHT EI Functional Assessment Referral Form (English PDF). 

• Families are welcome to make their own appointments directly with Dr. Waldorf, accessing their private insurance. 
• Families should speak with Rick Andrade to see if Dr. Waldorf’s office accepts their insurance and what their copay will be as well as if this is an appropriate referral. 
• No update to the IFSP is needed because this is an outside service. Dr. Waldorf does not require EI to send the child’s IFSP. 
• To schedule an appointment, Dr. Waldorf requires that the child is at least 6 months old and that the child has seen an eye doctor within the last 12 months. The vision diagnosis needs to be a non-treatable or non-correctable (eye wear or surgery) eye condition. Dr. Waldorf’s office is located at 43 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, RI 02888.