(1) The commission shall establish and maintain services as needed for determining the cause and prevention of blindness. The examination to certify statutory blindness may be performed by either an ophthalmologist or physician skilled in the diseases of the eye; or a licensed optometrist, whichever the person shall select. When a blind or partially blind person can be benefited by treatment, the commission shall arrange for the necessary treatment, with the consent of the person, by an ophthalmologist or physician skilled in the diseases of the eye, a licensed optometrist, or both. An examination shall be provided without charge to the applicant for services to the blind. Unless other funds are available, the examination, and treatment if provided, shall be paid for by the commission.

  (2) The commission may contract with the department of social services or the department of public health to provide eye examinations for applicants for aid to the blind.