(a) Blind ex-members of the Armed Forces entitled to disability compensation for a service-connected disability may be furnished a trained dog-guide. In addition, they may be furnished necessary travel expense to and from their places of residence to the point where adjustment to the dog-guide is available and meals and lodging during the period of adjustment, provided they are required to be away from their usual places of residence during the period of adjustment.

(b) Mechanical and/or electronic equipment considered necessary as aids to overcoming the handicap of blindness may also be supplied to beneficiaries defined in paragraph (a) of this section.