Registration as sight impaired

There are benefits in being registered as sight impaired, so it's worth discussing registration with your Consultant Ophthalmologist or with KAB. Only a Consultant Ophthalmologist can assess whether registration is appropriate. You might find the following points helpful:

• People who are registered as severely sight impaired/blind are usually only able (when wearing glasses) to see the top letter when standing close to the eye chart. Sometimes they can see more than this but would have a restricted field of vision. Being registered severely sight impaired/blind does not imply that at some stage all sight will be lost. Total sight loss happens very rarely. Registration recognises that it is difficult to perform activities for which eyesight is essential

• People who are registered as sight impaired/partially sighted may have similar difficulties when reading a test chart at the usual distance but have a wider field of vision. Alternatively their field of vision may be narrow but their sight sufficiently clear to read several lines

• If registration is agreed, the patient and Consultant Ophthalmologist sign and retain copies of the Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI). Copies are sent to the patient's GP and KAB. A KAB Rehab worker will then make contact to arrange a visit

Did you know?

Out of all the people registered blind only approximately 4% have no sight at all or are in darkness.

• A visit from an experienced KAB Rehab worker will give you the chance to talk about any worries you may have, and explain your needs. The Rehab worker will describe the benefits of being registered to you and together you can create a plan of action

• The Rehab worker will also show you how to undertake everyday tasks safely and you may be provided with a range of useful equipment

• Benefits and concessions: KAB can provide a list of the concessions and benefits which can apply to registered sight impaired people. For further information regarding registration as sight impaired contact KAB