The Permanent Disability Evaluation Schedule (PDES) is a guide set out in policy and is used to assess a worker’s entitlement to permanent partial disability benefits granted under the loss of function method. The PDES is reviewed every two years to ensure it remains current with medical and scientific methods and approaches to disability assessment.

The PDES Review proposes changes to the Vision Disability section of the PDES concerning photophobia. The changes include revising the ratings for photophobia and adding criteria to the policy. These changes are proposed to ensure policy reflects the nature and degree of the condition and best practices in the field of ophthalmology and ophthalmology assessment.

Our Policy, Regulation and Research Division is releasing a discussion paper on the PDES Review with options and draft policy to stakeholders for comment.

Proposed deletions of policy wording are identified with a strikethrough and additions are highlighted in bold.

Discussion paper

There are a number of ways for stakeholders to provide feedback on the options and draft policy amendments:

The consultation period ended August 6, 2021. The Board of Directors will consider stakeholder feedback before making a decision on policy amendments.

Please note that all comments become part of the Policy, Regulation and Research Division’s database and may be published, including the identity of organizations and those participating on behalf of organizations. The identity of those who have participated on their own behalf will be kept confidential according to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.