MO HB1893

Exempts individuals certified by an ophthalmologist as having no usable vision with a permanent condition from the requirement to undergo vision examinations every five years to maintain blind pension eligibility.

Maintains existing eligibility requirements for blind pensions, including vision standards of up to but not including 5/200 visual acuity or a five-degree visual field.

Requires vision tests to be conducted by an ophthalmologist, physician skilled in eye disease, or optometrist designated or approved by the Department of Social Services.

Establishes a minimum monthly pension amount of $340, with potential increases based on annual growth of the blind pension fund as appropriated by the General Assembly.

Specifies that blind pension recipients must be declared ineligible for federal Supplemental Security Income and cannot be receiving general relief assistance.