Here at Sight and Sound we are committed to finding the best solutions which make a difference to the lives of individuals who are either blind or visually impaired.
In addition to the tailored products and training which we provide our customers, we are constantly striving to provide guidance and support which can add value to our customers. One of the things we are often asked is how to go about registering as a person that is blind or partially sighted.
Registering as blind or visually impaired can open up a number of benefits which you will be entitled to, including:
- Blind person’s personal income tax allowance
- Reduction of 50% on your television license fee
- Car parking schemes, such as the blue badge scheme which can be used in any vehicle that you are travelling in
- Free loan of radio, CD players and CDs
- Free postage on articles marked as “articles for the blind”
That is why we have put together this short guide to give you five simple steps to register as blind or partially sighted.
Step 1
To register for either, you can choose to register with either your eye consultant or your GP. The reason you must go to an eye specialist is because first of all an ophthalmologist must certify that your eyesight cannot be improved medically (through glasses, surgery etc). The registration is entirely confidential.
Step 2
Your doctor will confirm which level of registration applies to you. There are two levels of registration:
- Severely sight impaired (blind)
- Sight impaired (partially sighted)
Step 3
The eye specialist will then send copies of your certificate to your doctor and your local social services operations.
Step 4
You’ll receive this letter in the post, but please note this is not the final step to becoming registered as blind or partially sighted.
Step 5
You must then confirm that you wish to be included on the register of blind and partially sighted. It is after you confirm, at this point, that you are registered.
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If you would like more information on any of the issues raised in this blog then please get in touch and you might also be interested in our blog 10 things to know about losing my sight.