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The eye is worth 160 weeks. Vision loss SLU is calculated from corrected visual acuity and visual field.
TL;DR
- The eye is scheduled at 160 weeks under WCL §15(3). Loss of an eye is 160 weeks.
- Partial vision loss SLU is calculated from best-corrected visual acuity and visual field per the 2018 Guidelines.
- Total industrial loss of vision (functionally blind) equals enucleation for SLU purposes.
- Common occupational causes: chemical splash, projectile injury (struck-by), laser exposure, blunt trauma.
How vision SLU is calculated
The 2018 Guidelines incorporate AMA-derived formulas:
Central visual acuity loss. Best-corrected acuity in the injured eye, compared to normal (20/20), produces a percentage. Acuity worse than 20/200 is generally considered statutorily blind.
Visual field loss. Documented field defects (hemianopsia, quadrantanopsia, scotomas) produce additional percentages.
Combined value. Acuity and field percentages combine per the Guidelines formula to produce the SLU percentage.
Total industrial loss. When functional vision is so impaired the eye is not useful for work — even if some light perception remains — the SLU is 100% of the 160 weeks.
Common occupational presentations
- Construction — projectile injuries (struck-by), chemical splash, welding flash
- Manufacturing / industrial — chemical splash, projectile, laser exposure
- Healthcare — chemical splash, needlestick to the eye
- Restaurant — hot oil splash, chemical cleaner splash
- Sanitation — projectile injuries, chemical exposure
- Construction electrical, electrocution claims — arc flash retinal burn
What I see go wrong
- Pre-injury vision not documented, leading to apportionment disputes
- Visual field testing not done when the injury supports it
- Total industrial loss undervalued as a partial acuity number when functional use is gone
- Enucleation cases procedurally rushed without complete evaluation
What to do next
Contact me directly for vision loss claim evaluation. Most vision claims require ophthalmologic narrative reporting; coordinating that with WC counsel from the start avoids gaps.
Frequently asked questions
How is vision loss SLU calculated in NY?
Per the 2018 Guidelines, vision SLU is derived from best-corrected visual acuity loss and visual field deficits, combined to produce the percentage. The eye is scheduled at 160 weeks; total loss of an eye is 160 weeks (100% SLU). Total industrial loss of vision is treated as 100% even when light perception remains.
What if I had pre-existing vision problems?
Pre-existing vision loss may produce apportionment disputes. Documentation of pre-injury acuity — prior eye exams, license records, employment records — supports the carve-out between pre-existing and work-related loss.
Related pages
- Construction-site injuries
- Electrocution and arc-flash injuries
- Restaurant worker injuries
- What is a Schedule Loss of Use award?
- Facial disfigurement awards
Frequently Asked Questions
How is vision loss SLU calculated in NY?
Per the 2018 Guidelines, vision SLU is derived from best-corrected visual acuity loss and visual field deficits, combined to produce the percentage. The eye is scheduled at 160 weeks; total loss of an eye is 160 weeks (100% SLU). Total industrial loss of vision is treated as 100% even when light perception remains.
What if I had pre-existing vision problems?
Pre-existing vision loss may produce apportionment disputes. Documentation of pre-injury acuity — prior eye exams, license records, employment records — supports the carve-out between pre-existing and work-related loss.
This page is informational. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every workers' compensation case turns on its facts. For analysis of your matter, contact me directly.