BEST Program: Application and Instructions

Individuals applying for BEST treatment services must apply through their physician or optometrist. We welcome and encourage your participation in this important program to protect the eyes of Texas. If you have any questions about the BEST Program, please call 1-800-628-5115 or e-mail your questions to: DARS.Inquiries@dars.state.tx.us

The BEST Program is accepting applications for eligible treatment services planned on or after May 1, 2013. Services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis to applicants already on the program's waiting list. All other requests will be met within the limits of the program's available resources.

The BEST Program Application for Treatment (updated 05/01/2013) and application instructions are available from this web page. If needed, the first page of the required application (the applicant's portion) is also available in Spanish. Physicians and optometrists may download the application by right-clicking the link above and choosing the "Save Target As" or "Save Link As" option. Select a location on your computer to save the file.

Displaying or printing the application requires the free Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®. Adobe also provides free PDF tools for the visually impaired.

The BEST application and accompanying instructions are routinely updated to reflect programmatic changes. Please check this web page periodically to ensure you are using the most current application. The effective date is indicated in the upper left-hand corner of each page, and all earlier versions of the form should be destroyed.

Submitting Invoices for Payment

In order for the DARS Division for Blind Services BEST Program to process payment for treatment services, we must have three required documents.

1. An invoice detailing the date of service, service provided, and dollar amount.
   
   
2. A completed copy of the State of Texas Interagency Eye Examination Report.
   
   This form is available in Microsoft Word and PDF formats. If your office requires a different format, please contact the local Division for Blind Services office in your area to request assistance from the Regional Program Support Specialist.
   
   In place of the completed State of Texas eye report, the treating physician may submit a signed letter that includes the following information:
   
   
   • a summary of the treatment services provided,
   • post-treatment corrected visual acuity (Snellen equivalent, right eye/left eye),
   • post-treatment visual field restrictions if relevant (right eye/left eye), and
   • future prognosis.
     
     
3. A copy of the operative report for surgical procedures and/or a copy of the treating physician's written interpretation and report when applicable as indicated in the code description.

The three documents, marked Attention: Regional Program Support Specialist, should be mailed or faxed to the local Division for Blind Services office in your area. A list of DBS office addresses and telephone numbers is available on-line. If you are unsure of the specific office, you may send a request for information to the nearest DARS Division for Blind Services office. Information about the office nearest you is also available by calling toll free 1-800-628-5115.