Explore Sight loss
Deciding whether to register
Should I register as blind/partially sighted?
The choice of whether to register as Severely Sight Impaired (Blind) or Sight Impaired (Partially Sighted) is your choice. The Opthalmogist will be able to advise you as to whether you are eligible for registration.
The aim of the register is to help local authorities provide the best services they can for people with a visual impairment. To do this, they need a record of all the people with a visual impairment in their area, and what kind of services they need.
Some people worry that registration is a backward step, they fear that it will lead to them losing their independence or that family, friends or officials will interfere and become over-protective. However, registration can enable people with a visual impairment access to various benefits and extra help, such as the Blind Person's Tax Relief.