What is Registration?
We are required to keep a register of people with a visual impairment, however registration is voluntary.
There are two categories of registration, 'Severely Sight Impaired / Blind' and 'Sight Impaired / Partially Sighted'. In order to qualify for some of the entitlements available, it is necessary to be registered as a severely sight impaired/blind or sight impaired/partially sighted person. However, any assistance we provide you with is not dependant on registration.
Registration as a 'Severally Sight Impaired / Blind' person does not necessarily imply a complete loss of vision. Only a small percentage of 'Severely Sight Impaired / Blind' people have a complete loss of sight. There are many different eye conditions, and each can result in differing amounts of visual loss.
How do I get registered?
The Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI ) has to be completed by a Consultant Ophthalmologist (eye specialist). If you are already attending an eye clinic, your eye specialist may decide that you should qualify for registration and will notify your local Social Services Department. If in doubt ask the Specialist.
If you are not attending a hospital eye clinic you should contact your GP, who will refer you to the eye clinic if necessary.
From the eye clinic, you will be asked to sign the certification form (CVI) to indicate your understanding of it and to give your consent to a copy being sent to us.
When you are Registered
After we receive the form at Social Services from your eye specialist, you will be contacted by a member of the Sensory Enablement Team , who will advise you on the services and benefits available.
What is Sensory Enablement?
The aim of Sensory Enablement is to enable visually impaired people to lead independent lives. They can offer:
- Information to registered and unregistered visually impaired people as a means of enabling them to adjust to their new situation
- We can guide you where to get advice on rights and benefits
- Advice regarding communication skills (e-g: use of large print, Braille, Moon, keyboard skills, use of telephone and communication with Deaf-Blind people)
- Advice and training on all aspects of independent living (such as using adapted cooker dials, pouring hot drinks etc...) and the opportunity to try out some of these new ideas by appointment at our
Information and Equipment Demonstration Area
- Help with basic or completely independent mobility
- Advice on safety within the home and equipment to reduce risk.
Useful Contacts
Use the link to the resource directory below to find more local and national organisations that may be able to offer information, advice and support.