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Visual Impairment

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Certification and Registration

Certification

If a person has been CERTIFIED severely sight impaired/blind or sight impaired/partially sighted they will have been referred through their own General Practitioner to an Ophthalmologist, probably at their local Eye Hospital or Eye Clinic in a General Hospital.  

The Consultant Ophthalmologist will have made a full assessment and diagnosis of their problem.  If he/she assesses their sight qualifies them being certified either severely sight impaired/blind or sight impaired/partially sighted he/she will complete a form known as a CVI (Certificate of Visual Impairment).

The CVI will be signed by the examining Ophthalmologist and the visually impaired person.  The hospital keeps a copy, one is sent to the G.P., one is sent to the visually impaired person and one is sent to Worcestershire Adult and Community Services.

Registration

Many people are confused by the REGISTRATION process and words used, perhaps because it is not explained to them exactly how these decisions are reached.  

People with a Visual Impairment have differing needs, these may change throughout life.

Many people have significant needs prior to medical intervention.

Everyone with substantial difficulties, registered or not, are eligible for the same range of services from the Adult and Community Services, Sensory Impairment Team.

Registration and the Adult and Community Services Department

The Adult and Community Services Department has a legal responsibility to keep an up-to-date register of severely sight impaired/blind or sight impaired/partially sighted people living in the county.  The Department is made aware of these people on receipt of a copy of the CVI ( Certificate of Visual Impairment) form. Registration is voluntary and your written consent will be required before you are included on the register and given a card as proof of registration. Being registered may be a prerequisite for accessing some benefits, services and support from charitable organisations.

The Adult and Community Services, Sensory Impairment Team then has a duty to inform the person named of the services available to them.  

After assessment of need, relevant services (including rehabilitation training in mobility and daily living skills) and health and safety equipment may be provided, subject to eligibility and financial criteria.  Additionally, information may be given about services provided by other agencies, both local and national.

The Sensory Impairment Team provides a wide range of Specialist Social Work and Rehabilitation Services.  If you need detailed information, please telephone Adult and Community Services Contact Centre on

0845 607 2000