Does someone have to have no sight to be registered blind
If someone you care for has increasing sight loss it is helpful to ask if they qualify to be registered blind.
Being registered blind may entitled them to certain state benefits.
Does someone have to have no sight to be registered blind? The answer is No.
There are certain rules an opthalmic consultant has to follow when completing what is called the Certificate of Vision Impairment.
These rules include measuring the visual acuity ( the central vision used to see detail) and the visual field ( how much you can see around the edge of your vision whilst looking straight ahead.
Visual acuity is measured by reading the letters on an eye chart wearing your usual glasses or contact lenses. This is called the Snellen test
Visual Field sight is measured using a “field of vision test”
These tests help the opthalmologist decide whether you are registered as severely sight impared ( blind) or sight impared ( partially sighted)
Measuring your visual acuity and visual field helps the ophthalmologist to decide whether you are eligible to be registered as severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted).
Benefits someone who is registered blind may be entitled to include;
-
Attendance allowance
Lower rate £53.00
Higher rate £79.15
-
Disability Living allowance
Care component
- Low rate £21.00
- Middle rate £53.00
- High rate £79.15
Mobility component
- Low rate £21.00
- High rate £55.25
Personal Independence Payment
Daily Living Component
- Standard rate £53.00
- Enhanced rate £79.15
Mobility Component
- Standard rate £21.00
- Enhanced rate £55.25
These payments can make a huge difference to someone elderly who is struggling to stay independent at home. It may help towards home care/support and also perhaps hot meal deliveries.
Some local councils provide a sight loss social worker who will visit and carry out an in home assessment and ensure benefits are applied for.
