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The RNIB try to make registering yourself blind or partially sighted as easy as possible. A very handy leaflet about this can be found in most hospitals and doctors surgeries.
How do you register? You will have already visited an eye specialist who will have gone through your diagnosis, they will then complete a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI). Various visual acuity tests will allow the Consultant Ophthalmologist to register which visual level your sight is. You may also need tests to check the health of your eye using drops to dilate the pupils. Being registered blind or partially sighted does not necessarily mean you can not see. From your test results it will be determined whether you have good visual acuity but have lost a large part of your visual field. If this is the case you will be registered as severely sight impaired/blind or sight impaired.
What are the benefits of registering? There are several benefits that will help you if you are severely sight impaired or blind.
- Blind Persons personal Income Tax Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance, mobility component
- 50% TV licence reduction fee
- The Blue Badge Scheme (Parking)
- Free Postage (items should be marked ‘articles for the blind’)
- Free NHS sight testing
- Discounted Rail Travel
- Council Tax disability reduction
Can I get help along the way? Of course. Your local authority will have trained rehabilitation workers who offer you the support you need. Not all local authorities have rehabilitation workers but they should be able to ‘buy in’ a service that you need, as agreed when you had your assessment. RNIB does also have a helpline that offers help, advice and products that may help you. They can also advise you what is available in your local area too.