Registering as sight impaired
Ref: 30/06/08
This factsheet gives information on registering as blind or severely sight impaired or sight impaired or partially sighted.
What is Registration?
Richmond upon Thames Council keeps a confidential register of blind or severely sight impaired or sight impaired or partially sighted people living in the borough. The information may be shared internally with other departments.
How do I register?
Firstly you need to be certified as severely sight impaired or blind or sight impaired or partially sighted by an eye specialist, the consultant ophthalmologist.
If you are already attending an eye hospital or clinic you should discuss certification with your specialist. If you do not attend an eye clinic, you should ask your GP to refer you to a consultant ophthalmologist.
The consultant will decide whether you are eligible for registration by measuring your visual acuity and your field of vision. If you meet the criteria the consultant can certify you as either severely sight impaired or blind or sight impaired or partially sighted by completing the Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI).
You will be asked to sign the CVI to agree that a copy can be sent to the Richmond Sensory Services Team, your GP and the Department of Health a copy for yourself and the hospital also keeps a copy.
The second stage is registration itself. This is when Sensory Services receive your CVI and contact you to ask about your needs, what kind of support would help you, and to talk to you about being added to the register.
Why do we keep a register?
- Registration can qualify you for certain concessions and can help with claims for some welfare benefits. For instance Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance
- The register also helps the Council plan and provide the best service it can for people who have sight problems.
- Registration is completely voluntary but for some concessions it is essential.
- You do not have to be registered to obtain help and information.
What are the benefits of registration?
If you are registered severely sight impaired or blind you are entitled to the following concessions:
- Blind person’s personal income tax allowance
- Reduction of 50% on TV licence fee
- Blue Badge parking concession
- Free postage on items marked ‘articles for the blind’
- You may also be entitled to help with telephone installation charges and line rental.
If you are registered severely sight impaired/blind or sight impaired or partially sighted you are entitled to:
- Free NHS sight test
- Discounted rail travel
- Exemption from BT Directory Enquiry charges
- Free entry to Kew Gardens (also free for support person).
- You may also be entitled to Council Tax disability reduction if you have a room set aside to meet needs related to your disability.
The information in this fact sheet was correct at the time of production. If you have any comments or suggestion email senservteam@richmond.gov.uk
Contact the Sensory Services Team
You can contact the Sensory Services Team between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Duty hours are Monday and Thursday morning between 9.30am and 12.30pm when we can guarantee someone will be available to take referrals and provide information and advice.
Telephone: 020 8487 1760
Minicom: 020 8487 1762
Text: 07903 738043
Fax: 020 8487 1761
Email: senservteam@richmond.gov.uk