Registering as sight impaired
If you have a permanent visual impairment, you may be eligible to be registered as sight impaired. Being registered often makes it easier to get practical help, and you may qualify for certain benefits.
Registration is voluntary. There are two categories of registration: Sight Impaired and Severely Sight Impaired.
The loss of sight in one eye does not qualify you for registration.
Why should I register?
Being registered as sight impaired (partially sighted) or severely slight impaired (blind) may entitle you to some additional support, such as:
- free NHS sight tests
- protection under the Equality Act 2010
- railcards and other rail or travel concessions
- local travel services, for example Dial-a-Ride or volunteer car services
- free 195 Directory Enquiry Service
- Articles for the Blind free postage service
Being registered as Severely Sight Impaired will entitle you to:
- blind person’s personal income tax allowance
- 50% off the television licence fee
- Automatic entitlement to a Blue Badge parking permit and other local parking schemes
Registration as sight impaired or severely sight impaired may support claims for welfare benefits. This can include Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance (AA). Have a look at our Welfare Benefit page for more information.
How do I register?
A hospital consultant Ophthalmologist must examine your eyes to register you. If you are not already attending your local eye clinic, your GP or Optometrist can make a referral.
How is my registration decided?
The Ophthalmologist will measure your visual acuity (how good you are at seeing detail) and your 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 Visual Impairment’ (CVI) form (‘A655’ in Northern Ireland, ‘CVI Scotland’ form in Scotland). This form records information about your condition and completes your certification. The register is confidential and held locally, so if you move you will need to re-register.
What happens next?
After the consultant has registered you, copies of your CVI are sent to adult social services and your GP. Your hospital and your local Borough Council will be provided with a copy as well.
A member of your local sensory services team will then contact you to discuss your particular needs, and what services and benefits may be available to you.
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.