Registration of vision impairment
Only a Consultant Ophthalmologist can register someone as Sight Impaired (SI or partially sighted) or Severely Sight Impaired (SSI or blind). The register is held by the local social services who are alerted that additional services may be needed to support the person registered.
Registration is voluntary and completely confidential. Parents sometimes worry about registering their child and labelling them as disabled. There is a lot to consider, but the main thing to remember is that there is no stigma attached to registration, that there are some advantages and that the young person or adult can de-register themselves later if they wish.
How to register
If your child has regular appointments with a Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist you can discuss registration with them. They can advise you whether your child’s sight is sufficiently impaired to qualify for registration in either of the two categories, SI or SSI and talk to you about the process and any advantages. Registration is based on the child’s visual acuity and field of vision. If your child no longer sees a consultant, you can ask your GP for a referral to one.
A Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI)
At registration, the consultant completes a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) in England and Wales. In Scotland it’s a BP1, in Northern Ireland it’s an A655.
Registration
Your local social services will receive a copy of your certificate and will then contact you to ask if you want your child to be included on its register of blind and partially sighted people. Provided you agree your child becomes registered. If you choose not to have your child registered, you can still get support from social services. They will discuss any needs with you.
The advantages of registration
When your child is older they may be entitled to free or reduced fare public transport and other concessions. It can also help you access welfare benefits and support with education on behalf of your child.