Terminology and Registration
Terminology
Below is some useful terminology
SI = Sight Impaired
SSI = Severely Sight Impaired
PS = Partially Sighted
CVI = Certificate of Vision Impairment
VRS = Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (formerly ROVI)
ECLO = Eye Clinic Liaison Officer
Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI)
When you see your Opthamologist, they will examine your field of vision (peripheral vision) and your visual acuity (the detail you can see from a distance) and use a combination of their findings to determine the level of certification.
They may not provide a CVI if they believe your sight loss is temporary or if they are still treating your eye condition. If your vision has met the level needed to be certified and it hasn’t been offered, speak to your local ECLO who might be able to advocate on your behalf.
Support available through the local authority
Your CVI will act as a referral pathway into the Vision Rehabilitation team based within the Local Authority. The Vision Rehabilitation Specialist will carry out a specialist assessment, to understand your vision and the impact your vision is having on your life.
They will agree a plan with you that will support you to address the needs you have identified. This can include teaching you how to manage daily living skills safely.
Registration
A copy of your CVI will be sent to you and one will be sent to the Local Authority. The Local Authority will then contact you to offer support and services. They will also ask you if you want to be registered with them. For Local Authority related grants or benefits e.g. minor adaptations grants, bus pass or blue badge; they will be able to see you have the card.
If you choose not to register, you would still be entitled to support from them the local authority, as well as being able to access concessions and benefits.
Having a CVI and registering opens up services and allows access to benefits and concessions. These include:-
- Support from the Visual Impairment (VI) Team to include advice on independent living skills and products, mobility training (long cane), and welfare and benefits (SI and SSI).
- Reduced cost TV Licence. Contact Vision Impairment Team or call 0300 555 0286 (SSI only).
- British Wireless for the Blind – access to a radio, CD or DAB player. Contact 01622 754 757 (SI and SSI).
- Free postage – some items can be posted for free labelled ‘Articles for the Blind’ , including CD’s, letters, talking books/recordings. Ask the VI Team for more details or call 0345 774 0740 (SI and SSI).
- Free directory enquiry 195 service. BT has a free service, if you are unable to use the telephone directory. Call BT on 0800 5870 195 or email 195registration@bt.com (SI and SSI).
- Disabled Persons Rail Card – enquire at a local manned station or call 0845 605 0525 (SI and SSI).
- Bus Pass – free travel when registered. Apply to your local council office (SI and SSI)
- Free eye tests – go for regular check ups to look after your remaining sight and health. Contact your local optician (SI and SSI)
- Blind Persons Allowance – extra tax free allowance so you can earn more before you pay tax. Call HMRC 0300 200 3301 (SSI only).
- Blue Badge – allows you to park close to your destination, either as a passenger or driver. £10 in England and free in some parts of Wales (check with your local authority). Apply online at: https://apply-bluebadge.service.gov.uk/applicant (SSI (automatic) and SI (if accompanied by additional needs))
Financial Benefits
Through registration you may also be entitled to other financial benefits which include:
- Attendance Allowance (AA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
This is not a complete list but if you would like further information on what you are entitled to, you can contact local charities.
Vision Support
Cheshire support: 01244 478910
North Wales support: 01244 381515
East Cheshire Eye Society: 01625 422602
