Disability registration
Sight loss registration
What is registration?
Hampshire County Council hold a register for people with a vision impairment. There are two categories of registration – Sight Impaired (partially sighted) and Severely Sight Impaired (blind). If you are registered then your details are stored on a confidential database and you are given a small card as proof of your registration. It will not cost you any money to register.
How do I become registered?
The only person who can decide if you meet the criteria for registration is your Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Eye Department.
If he or she believes that you are entitled to be registered then they will complete and sign a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) form, which you will also sign. A copy of this will be sent to you, your GP and Hampshire County Council – someone from the Sensory Team, Adult Services (part of Hampshire County Council) will then contact you to finalise the registration.
Department of Health guidance on sight loss registration.
If you are no longer under your local Eye Department then please contact your own GP or Optician for advice.
What are the benefits of being registered?
Registration can be a pathway for easier access to certain benefits and concessions such as
- Getting a Disabled Persons Railcard
- Being exempt from paying tax on purchases of specialist sight loss aids and equipment such as talking clocks and big button telephones (see aids and equipment section)
- Entitlement to a free of charge NHS sight test at your Optician
- The offer of discounts or assistance at some leisure venues such as museums, arts centres and theatres – please inquire with individual venues
However all concessions are discretionary and may vary.
If you are registered as Severely Sight Impaired (blind) then you automatically qualify for the following;
- Blue Badge (disabled parking) – tel: 0845 603 5633
- Blind Persons Tax Allowance - telephone 0845 366 7887
- Articles for the Blind service - Royal Mail Customer Service Centre - tel: 0845 774 0740
- 50% reduction on your TV Licence fee – tel: 0844 800 6779
What do I do if my registration card has expired or I need a replacement?
Registration cards currently last for five years. If your card is about to expire or you need a replacement then please telephone Adult Services on 0845 603 5630 who will take your details and pass them on to the relevant team.
Contact us
Tel: 0845 603 5630
- If your card has expired
- If your card needs to be replaced
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