In Canada they are still quite common, particularly in the north. They are used as just that- to get below the cloud deck in order to complete the approach visually either by circling or landing straight in.
Why would anybody want to use one? Because an ILS, Localizer, or GPS approach is not available at that airport and its the only way to get in!
Typically minimums are in the 400-500' AGL range but can be as low as 350 in very flat terrain.
Is that what you were asking?