The benefits of registering as sight impaired

What is registration?

Registering as sight impaired is a voluntary process where your local authority officially recognises your vision loss as sight impaired (partially sighted) or severely sight impaired (blind). You’ll be added to your local authority’s register of sight impaired people, which is completely confidential. 

Should I register as sight impaired?

Deciding whether or not to register as sight impaired is a personal choice. You don’t have to register.  

Some people feel that registering might mean they will lose their independence. This isn’t the case as you can still work and live independently. If you continue to meet the minimum legal standards, you can still drive, too.  

Registering can even help you stay independent for longer as it means you can get support, save money and access more services.  

If you’re not sure whether it’s right for you, you can call our helpline on 0300 3030 111 for more advice. We’re here to help you work out what’s right for you. 

What are the advantages of registering?

Registering as sight impaired can help you access low vision support and services in your area and means you can apply for benefits. You will be entitled to free NHS eye examinations, depending on your situation, as well as: 

Travel benefits and concessions

• Discounts on bus and rail travel (Disabled person’s railcard, free bus pass)  
• Blue Badge parking eligibility (apply online) 

Tax allowances and financial support  

• Blind Person’s Allowance: this is an extra amount of tax-free allowance. It means you can earn more before you start paying income tax. 
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – for people aged 16 or over with extra care needs or mobility needs due to a disability, such as a visual impairment 
• Attendance Allowance – for people of state pension age or older with extra care needs or mobility needs due to a disability such as a visual impairment
• Disability Living Allowance for Children 

Everyday help and concessions

• Free/discounted TV licence (depending on the level of sight loss) 
• Library access (audiobooks, large print, braille and digital text formats)  
• Articles for the Blind (AFTB) free postage service 
• Council tax reduction (in some cases) 
• Free ticket for anyone accompanying you to the cinema, if you apply for a Cinema Exhibitor’s Association (CEA) card.  

How do I access benefits?

Your local council will usually contact you after your registration. They will help explain what’s available to you and how to apply.  

You’ll need to show proof of your registration, which is your Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) or a letter from your local council.  

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Attendance Allowance are applied for separately. For PIP you need to call their helpline to apply. You can apply online for Attendance Allowance. 

If you’re unsure about applying for benefits, you can call our helpline on 0300 3030 111 for more advice and guidance. 

How do I register as sight impaired? 

If you’re not already attending your local eye clinic, you will need a referral to a hospital consultant ophthalmologist. Your GP or high-street optician can make a referral. 

In Wales, some optometrists can now also certify visual impairments and register patients. 

How is my registration decided?

At your eye clinic appointment, the ophthalmologist (or optometrist in Wales) will measure: 

• Visual acuity (how good you are at seeing detail)  
• Field of vision (how much you can see from the side of your eye while looking straight ahead) 

They will look at the combined results to decide whether you’re eligible to be registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired.  

If the ophthalmologist thinks that you are suitable for registration, they will complete a ‘Certificate of Vision Impairment’ (CVI) form. This form records information about your condition and completes your certification. 

You will be asked to sign the CVI form to give your consent for a copy to be sent to your local council. The register is confidential and held locally, so if you move house you will need to contact your local sensory support team and ask to be added to the local register. 

Please note: As of 1 April 2018, the Scottish Government introduced the new Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) Scotland form. This replaces the BP1 form. However, the CVI form does not include children and young people under the age of 16 years. 

What happens next?

Once you’re registered, copies of your CVI are sent to adult social services and your GP. Your hospital and your local borough council will also be given a copy. 

A member of your local sensory services team will then contact you to discuss your needs, and the local services available to you and benefits you can apply for. 

With your permission, a copy of the CVI is sent to The Royal College of Ophthalmologists Certifications Office at Moorfields Eye Hospital, where information about eye conditions is collected and used to help to improve eye care and services in the future. 

Registration across the UK 

The registration process has a few differences based on the country of the UK you live in. 

In England you will be certified by an ophthalmologist. They will give you a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI). The process of registration is managed by the NHS. 

People who live in Wales can ask an optometrist to provide them with a CVI. The process is run by the National Assembly. 

Scottish people will be issued with a CVI (Scotland) and the registration process is managed by the Scottish Parliament.  

In Northern Ireland the CVI process is managed by the Northern Ireland Assembly. 

If you move house, you may need to re-register with your local council.  

Last review date: May 2026

Next review date: May 2028