Aids to Impairment

No. The standard requires that when determined by the responsible physician or dentist, an aid to impairment should be supplied in a timely manner when the health of the inmate would otherwise be adversely affected [emphasis added]. Such aids include eyeglasses when, for example, the inmate’s health and adaptation to the correctional facility could be affected. The visually impaired individual could be at a distinct disadvantage trying to assimilate into the jail or prison. This category would include elderly inmates and patients with diabetic retinopathy who are visually impaired to the extent that they require assistance in activities of daily living. (Also see G-02 Patients With Special Health Needs.)
— From CorrectCare Volume 25, Issue 1, Winter 2011