Frequently Asked Questions
What is legal blindness?
Legal blindness exists if central visual acuity is 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of corrective lenses, or if central visual acuity is better than 20/200 but there is a limitation in the visual field in the better eye, to less than 20 degrees in all directions.
Can anyone make an appointment for HKSB Low Vision Services?
Anyone, even normally sighted patients, can make an appointment for the clinic.
Who qualifies for the HKSB Day Treatment program?
Anyone eligible for Medicaid who lives in Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, or Queens and has been developmentally disabled since before the age of 21. You do not need to be visually impaired.
Is HKSB Pre-Vocational Training open for all children who are visually impaired or blind?
The Pre-vocational Program is open to teenagers living on Long Island. Children must be at least 13 years old, and must be sponsored by the NYS Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped external link.
Can my child attend the Children’s Learning Center?
Children under the age of 3 who have a diagnosed developmental delay and qualify for early intervention through the Department of Health can participate in the HKSB Children’s Learning Center program. If you suspect your child has a developmental delay you can contact HKSB directly for an evaluation. Children who are between the ages of 3 and 5 qualify for our Preschool programs if they have diagnosed visual impairment or multiple disabilities.
Contact for information about an HKSB evaluation
What is the process for determining if my child qualifies?
With your consent, we will evaluate your child to determine if he or she has a developmental delay or condition to qualify for our services.
Is transportation available for The Children’s Learning Center?
Transportation is available for all children who attend the program.
What are the hours of operation for the Children’s Learning Center?
The Children’s Learning Center is open from 9 am to 2:40 pm, Monday through Friday. We follow the Department of Education calendar with minor differences. We also operate a 6-week summer program.
What services are available at The Children’s Learning Center?
We offer a half-day classroom program for Early Intervention, and a full-day program for Preschool, with occupational, physical, and speech therapy on site.
