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.

In order to implement these changes, the Policy, Regulation and Research Division is releasing a discussion paper and draft amendments to policy in the PDES with options and draft policy to stakeholders for comment.

Consultation closed on August 6, 2021.