The article has been updated and is current as of January 16, 2026.

How to Apply for Visual Disability: What Vision Qualifies as a Disability?

Applying for a visual disability status is a complex process that requires a medical report and expert evaluation. Here’s the key information:

What Vision Qualifies as a Disability:

– Group 1 Disability:

• Total blindness in both eyes;
• Visual acuity with correction of 0.04 or less in both eyes;
• Visual field narrowing to 10 degrees from the fixation point in both eyes.

– Group 2 Disability:

• Visual acuity with correction from 0.05 to 0.1 in the better-seeing eye;
• Visual field narrowing from 10 to 20 degrees from the fixation point.

– Group 3 Disability:

• Visual acuity with correction from 0.1 to 0.3 in the better-seeing eye;
• Visual field narrowing from 20 to 40 degrees from the fixation point.

It is important to note that the decision on disability status is not made solely based on visual acuity. Other factors are also considered:

• The extent of visual function impairment;
• Ability to perform self-care, mobility, and spatial orientation;
• Need for social protection.

Procedure for Obtaining a Visual Disability Status:

1. Visit to an Ophthalmologist:

Obtain a medical report from an ophthalmologist confirming your vision condition and its degree of impairment.

2. Referral to the Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC):

A referral to the MSEC is issued by the ophthalmologist or primary care physician.

3. Medical and Social Expertise:

The MSEC panel conducts an examination and makes a decision regarding the assignment of a disability group.

4. Receiving a Disability Certificate:

If approved, a disability certificate is issued.

Required Documents:

• Referral to MSEC;
• Passport;
• Medical documents (discharge summaries, examination results);
• Application form.

How to Obtain Visual Impairment Disability Status in 2026: Have There Been Changes?

In 2026, the procedure for establishing visual impairment disability in Ukraine has generally not changed. The order, criteria, and grounds remain the same as last year, without fundamental innovations in legislation. Below we will present the key aspects of establishing visual impairment disability that are relevant today.

Visual Impairment Disability Criteria and Their Assignment to Groups in 2026

By the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated November 15, 2024, No. 1338 “Some Issues Regarding the Implementation of the Assessment of Daily Functioning of a Person,” the CRITERIA for establishing disability were approved. The corresponding regulatory act was adopted to replace the old document, but substantively (regarding criteria for establishing disability based on visual impairments and their assignment to groups) it has not changed.

According to the above-mentioned Criteria for establishing disability, the following visual impairments belong to the first group:

• consequences of injuries and other diseases of the nervous system with irreversible, significantly expressed impairments of visual functions (total blindness or concentric narrowing of visual fields to 10 degrees from the fixation point in both eyes);
• a combination of blindness in both eyes (corrected visual acuity lower than 0.1 or concentric narrowing of visual fields to 25 degrees from the fixation point) with general somatic pathology leading to a high degree of loss of health and complete dependence on other persons;
• or with amputations of lower limbs at the thigh level or one upper limb; or with total deafness;
• bilateral anophthalmia (absence of eyes, congenital rudimentary eyeballs);
• blindness (visual acuity with best tolerated correction less than 0.05 or concentric narrowing of the visual field to 10 degrees from the fixation point) in both eyes due to persistent irreversible changes.

To establish the second group of disability, the following visual impairments must be present:

• persistent complete ptosis in both eyes after all types of restorative treatment and irreversible changes in the organ of vision with visual acuity with best tolerated correction of 0.05-0.08 or concentric narrowing of the visual field to 20 degrees from the fixation point in both eyes or in the better-seeing eye;
• stump of an upper or lower limb, combined with the absence of vision in one eye;
• paralysis or marked paresis of one limb, combined with the absence of vision in one eye.

To establish the third group of disability, the following visual impairments must be present:

• absence of one eye;
• persistent complete ptosis in one eye after conducting all types of restorative treatment;
• blindness in one eye (visual acuity with best tolerated correction of 0.05 and lower or concentric narrowing of the visual field to 10 degrees from the fixation point) or damage to both eyes (decrease in visual acuity with best tolerated correction of 0.1 and lower or concentric narrowing of the visual field to 25 degrees from the fixation point).

Procedure and Necessary Documents for Establishing Visual Impairment Disability in 2026

As indicated above, from January 01, 2025, EKOPFO (Expert Teams for Assessing Daily Functioning of a Person) replaced MSEK, and consequently, certain changes occurred in the procedure for establishing disability.

Below we will consider the stages of the corresponding procedure:

1. Consulting a Doctor 

To begin with, you should consult a doctor who will generate an electronic referral for the assessment of the daily functioning of a person. Such a doctor can be an ophthalmologist, as they specialize in diseases related to the impairment of visual functions. If you have already done all the necessary examinations and received the specialist’s conclusions, a family doctor can also generate the corresponding referral for you.

2. Collecting Documents for the Referral 

Corresponding documents that you need to collect are attached to the electronic referral. We mentioned the list of such documents in previous sections. In addition, you can refer to points 21 and 22 of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated November 15, 2024, No. 1338 “Some Issues Regarding the Implementation of the Assessment of Daily Functioning of a Person,” in which all necessary documents are defined.

3. Conducting the Assessment of Daily Functioning of a Person 

If the healthcare facility where the assessment will be conducted has no comments on the documents submitted together with the electronic referral, you will be notified of the form, date, and time of such assessment.

As a general rule, the consideration of the case must be conducted within 30 calendar days from the day of accepting the referral for consideration, except for the occurrence of circumstances due to which the assessment cannot be conducted within the established deadlines.

After the expert team makes a decision on establishing disability, an extract from such a decision is sent to your email address or by a registered letter with a notice of delivery (if you do not have an email address) within 5 calendar days. Moreover, the corresponding extract appears in the electronic system for the doctor who generated the referral.

Appealing the Decision of the Expert Team for Assessing Daily Functioning of a Person in 2026

If you do not agree with the EKOPFO decision, you have the right to appeal the assessment results. Such an appeal takes place either in an administrative or judicial procedure. Below we will note the key aspects of administrative appeal, as the judicial process takes place according to general rules.

If you wish to exercise your right to appeal, you should submit a corresponding complaint within 40 calendar days from the day the extract was sent, in paper form to the Center for Assessment of the Functional State of a Person or in electronic form through the electronic system by contacting the doctor who referred you. In addition, such a complaint may be submitted by a representative authorized by you.

Your complaint must be considered within 30 days from the day of its receipt by the Center for Assessment of the Functional State of a Person.

Based on the results of the consideration, one of the following decisions is made:

• on confirming the appealed decision;
• on canceling the appealed decision;
• on forming a new decision regarding the assessment result.

When Can Vision Disability Be Granted?

Visual disability can be granted when a person experiences significant vision problems that severely limit their ability to perform daily tasks and work. In Ukraine, certain legal criteria must be met:

– Total Blindness: If a person has completely lost vision or has only residual vision that prevents them from performing routine tasks.

– Severe Vision Impairment: This may result from chronic illnesses such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy that have caused significant vision loss.

– Uncorrectable Vision Loss: When correction methods (e.g., glasses or contact lenses) do not result in significant improvement.

Which Eye Diseases Qualify for Disability?

A number of eye conditions can serve as grounds for visual disability if they lead to permanent impairment of visual functions, including:

– Glaucoma: A condition associated with increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss.

– Cataract: Clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurred vision.

– Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the retina caused by diabetes.

– Macular Degeneration (Maculopathy): A disease affecting the macula (central part of the retina), leading to loss of central vision.

– Retinal Detachment: Separation of the retina from underlying tissues, which may result in vision loss.

– Optic Nerve Atrophy: Damage to the optic nerve due to various causes.

– High Myopia (Nearsightedness): When complications are present.

– High Hyperopia (Farsightedness): When complications are present.

– Astigmatism: When complications are present.

– Eye Injuries: Severe trauma to the eyes that leads to irreversible visual impairment.

– Oncological Eye Diseases:

• Various types of eye tumors.

How Are Visual Disability Groups Determined?

Group 1: Assigned for severe organic disorders of the visual system that lead to third-degree life limitations. For example, complete blindness in both eyes or near-total blindness combined with significant medical and social limitations.

Group 2: Assigned for second-degree life limitations. This may apply when a person has poor vision in one or both eyes, cannot perform usual tasks, and requires special care.

Group 3: Assigned for first-degree life limitations. This includes moderate vision impairment affecting work capacity and requiring constant vision correction with glasses or lenses.

Features of the First Group of Visual Disability

The first group of visual disability is assigned in cases of the most severe visual impairments that significantly limit a person’s daily functioning. Key features include:

– Total or Near-Total Vision Loss:

This means the person is either completely blind or has extremely low visual acuity even with correction (usually 0.04 or less in both eyes). This group also includes those with severe narrowing of the visual field (up to 10 degrees from the fixation point in both eyes).

– Significant Life Limitations:

People in this group face major difficulties with self-care, mobility, spatial orientation, and communication. They often require constant external assistance and care.

– Need for Special Equipment and Services:

To compensate for their life limitations, they may need technical aids (e.g., white canes, talking devices) and the support of social workers.

– Medical Criteria:

Eligibility for Group 1 includes:

• Total blindness in both eyes;
• Visual acuity with correction of 0.04 or less in both eyes;
• Visual field narrowed to 10 degrees from the fixation point in both eyes.

– Social Protection:

People in this group are entitled to various forms of social assistance, including pensions, benefits, and support services.

Criteria for the Second Group of Visual Disability

The second group of visual disability is designated for significant impairments that notably reduce a person’s ability to function in daily life. Main criteria include:

– Reduced Visual Acuity:

Visual acuity with correction ranges from 0.05 to 0.1 in the better-seeing eye, making it difficult to perform many everyday tasks.

– Visual Field Constriction:

The visual field is narrowed to 10–20 degrees from the fixation point, which restricts peripheral vision and impairs spatial orientation.

– Additional Factors:

Other contributing aspects considered include:

• Presence of coexisting conditions that exacerbate vision loss;
• Impact of vision impairment on self-care, mobility, and communication;
• Need for special rehabilitation tools.

When Is the Third Group of Visual Disability Assigned?

The third group is assigned for moderate visual impairments that limit daily activity but allow a person to maintain basic self-care and some ability to work with certain limitations.

Key criteria include:

– Moderate Vision Loss:

Visual acuity with correction is from 0.1 to 0.3 in the better-seeing eye.

– Moderate Visual Field Loss:

The field of vision is narrowed to 20–40 degrees from the fixation point.

Decisions are made by the Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC), based on a comprehensive assessment of visual function, daily self-care ability, spatial orientation, and the need for social protection.

Additional Factors That May Be Considered:

• Other health conditions that aggravate visual impairment;
• Effect of vision problems on the person’s job performance;
• Need for assistive devices to compensate for vision loss.

In general, this group includes people who:

• Have moderate vision problems that interfere with certain tasks;
• Can perform self-care;
• Remain employable but with job limitations;
• Require social support.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Visual Disability

Obtaining visual disability status is a process that requires careful attention and collection of all necessary documentation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit an Ophthalmologist:

The first step is to undergo a comprehensive eye examination. The ophthalmologist will determine the level of visual impairment.

The medical report should include:

• Visual acuity with correction for each eye;
• Visual field test results;
• Presence of any coexisting eye conditions;
• Overall assessment of visual function.

2. Collect Required Medical Documents:

You will need:

• Extracts from medical history;
• Test results (e.g., perimetry, tonometry);
• Reports from other specialists if there are coexisting conditions.

3. Obtain a Referral to MSEC:

This can be issued by:

• An ophthalmologist;
• A general practitioner;
• Social protection authorities.

The referral should include:

• Personal details;
• Diagnosis;
• Degree of visual impairment;
• Reason for referral.

4. Undergo the Medical and Social Examination:

MSEC is carried out by a panel of medical experts. During the assessment:

• All documents are reviewed;
• A physical examination may be conducted;
• Additional tests may be ordered.

Based on the evaluation, the commission will decide whether to assign a disability group or deny the request.

5. Receive the Disability Certificate:

If approved, you will receive an official certificate indicating:

• The assigned disability group;
• Duration of the disability status;
• An Individual Rehabilitation Program (IRP).

Preparing Medical Documentation

To apply for a visual disability status, you must prepare the following documents:

1. Ophthalmologist’s Report:

This is the primary document confirming the presence and severity of visual impairment. It must include:

• Visual acuity with correction for each eye;
• Visual field data;
• Presence of related eye conditions;
• Degree of visual function impairment;
• Diagnosis.

2. Medical History Extracts:

You must provide extracts from outpatient and inpatient records showing:

• Disease progression;
• Treatments received;
• Test and examination results.

3. Examination Results:

Attach the results of the following tests:

• Perimetry;
• Tonometry;
• Ophthalmoscopy;
• Any additional tests ordered by the ophthalmologist.

4. Reports from Other Specialists:

If you have comorbidities that may affect vision, provide relevant reports (e.g., from a neurologist, endocrinologist).

5. Other Required Documents:

Additional documentation may include:

• Passport;
• Referral to the Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC);
• Application form.

Applying to MSEC (Medical and Social Expert Commission)

1. To apply to the MSEC, the individual must collect and submit all relevant medical documents confirming their health condition. This includes medical record extracts, test results, and specialist reports.
2. The next step is to submit an official application. It is crucial that the documents are correctly prepared and meet all formal submission requirements.
3. Medical experts evaluate whether the person has limited work capacity and determine the degree of such limitations. Based on the assessment, the appropriate disability group may be assigned.
4. The result of the evaluation is a formal report confirming the individual’s work capacity status, serving as a basis for receiving social benefits or entitlements.

Review Timelines and Decision Making for Visual Disability

The timelines for MSEC review and decision-making may vary depending on the case and region, but certain legal norms apply:

General Timelines:

According to the law, the MSEC expert team must issue a decision within 30 calendar days from the date the case is officially accepted.

If additional examinations are required, the 30-day countdown begins after their completion.

Under the new functional assessment system replacing MSEC starting in 2025, decisions will be delivered by email or registered mail. The information will also be shared with social protection authorities.

Can Visually Disabled Persons Be Drafted in Ukraine?

According to current Ukrainian law, individuals with disabilities, including visual disabilities, are not subject to conscription during mobilization. However, there are some important considerations:

Exemption from Mobilization:

People with any disability group (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) are eligible for a deferment. To claim deferment, relevant disability documents must be submitted to the Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (TCRC).

Voluntary Military Service:

Persons with disabilities may volunteer for military service under contract if their health condition allows them to perform military duties.

Repeat Medical Commission:

Those who were assigned disability status after February 24, 2022, must undergo a repeat medical commission.

Individuals aged 25–60 must undergo reassessment only if it could not be conducted during 2022–2024 due to martial law or valid reasons. Starting January 1, 2025, MSEC functions will be transferred to medical expert teams working under updated legal criteria.

How to Appeal an MSEC Decision in Ukraine

When Can You Appeal an MSEC Decision?

An MSEC decision may be appealed in the following cases:

• The commission did not consider all submitted medical records or refused to review new documents;
• New medical data has emerged that was not assessed during the initial evaluation;
• The applicant believes that the commission’s recommendations do not meet their needs or misrepresent functional limitations.

How to Appeal an MSEC Decision?

There are two ways to appeal: administratively or through the courts.

Administrative Appeal:

• Reapply to the same commission: Submit a written appeal within one month of receiving the decision. Explain your disagreement and attach supporting documents.
• Apply to a higher-level commission: If the initial decision is unsatisfactory, you may appeal to the regional or central MSEC under the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. Attach relevant documents and state your reasons for appeal.
• Additional examinations: The commission may request more tests to reassess the diagnosis and functional limitations.
• Decision by the higher commission: The new commission will issue a final decision based on the appeal and any additional findings.

Judicial Appeal:

If all commission levels deny your request, you may file a claim with the administrative court based on your residence, the location of MSEC, or the plaintiff’s choice.

Appeals must be submitted within six months from the day the applicant became aware of the disputed decision.

From January 1, 2025, MSEC will be replaced by expert teams. If a person disagrees with a decision, they can file a complaint with the Functional Status Assessment Center.