When a person’s sight decreases to a certain level, they are entitled (if they wish) to be certified as severely sight impaired (SSI) or sight impaired (SI) by a consultant ophthalmologist.
In Wales, people with vision impairment can access certification of vision impairment (CVI) in primary care optometry. Optometrists with relevant qualifications working in Wales can now complete CVIs.
The criteria for certification are as follows:
Severely sight impaired
• Corrected visual acuity of less than 3/60 with a full visual field
• Corrected visual acuity between 3/60 and 6/60 with a severe reduction of field of vision, such as tunnel vision
• Corrected visual acuity of 6/60 or above but with a very reduced field of vision, especially if a lot of sight is missing in the lower part of the field
Sight impaired
• Corrected visual acuity of 3/60 to 6/60 with a full field of vision
• Corrected visual acuity of up to 6/24 with a moderate reduction of field of vision or with a central part of vision that is cloudy or blurry
• Corrected visual acuity of 6/18 or even better if a large part of your field of vision, for example a whole half of your vision, is missing or a lot of your peripheral vision is missing
People who have a CVI can choose whether or not to be included in their local authority’s register of visually impaired people.
Registration isn’t compulsory, but it can entitle them to a range of benefits including:
• Help with any costs relating to their disability or illness
• A reduction in the TV licence fee
• Help with council tax and tax allowances
• Reduced fees on public transport
• Parking concessions
Social services can arrange for an assessment to be carried out in the persons’ home to assess their needs and find out what help is required for them to remain independent, such as help with cleaning and cooking, or help with mobility and transport.
In England, patients are able to be supported within the hospital eye service by an eyecare liaison officer, who will help arrange support from social services including a home visit once a CVI is obtained. In Wales, home visits can be arranged without a CVI. In other areas of the country, advice can be obtained from either local sight loss charities or hospital eye service departments.
For more detailed information, an excellent booklet, titled ‘Starting out – Benefits, Concessions and Registration‘, is available to download from the RNIB website.
Abi Crutcher is an extended services contact lens optician with a professional certificate in low vision. In addition to working in practice, Abi represents dispensing opticians on her regional optical committee and, through that, on the Welsh Optometric Committee. She represents optometry on her local primary care cluster committee – and is ABDO’s regional lead in Wales as well as the Association’s sustainability lead. For ABDO matters, email acrutcher@abdo.org.uk