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AIBU?

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Original poster

To register as partially sighted?

35 replies

Albusseverus · 27/07/2016 17:49

More of a what would you do.

My eyesight has always been terrible and has been getting progressively worse as I've gotten older (I'm in my early 30s).
I don't drive. My peripheral vision is non-existent, I can't judge distance and I have very little sight in one of my eyes. I technically could drive based on the DVLA standards, but I think I'd be a danger on the roads. I don't want to take the chance of being responsible for causing a serious accident.
I manage fine on a day to day basis with strong glasses. I rely on public transport for everything.
My optician recently floated the idea of me registering as partially sighted and I'm not sure how I feel about it.
On the one hand, the thought of free public transport (which would be extremely helpful) , reduced TV license and perhaps having a better chance at securing job interviews (it's awful but true) is very tempting.
On the other, I'm not really sure how I feel about taking something when I don't identify myself as "disabled" and others out there may need the resources on offer more than me.
But, things are getting tougher and my eyesight is just going to get worse.

What would you do? Would you register and take the free transport (but not the TV license as that's just pushing it)

Or would you leave it?

OP posts:
T0ddlerSlave · 27/07/2016 17:51

If you meet the criteria go for it, you're not scamming anything just getting what you're entitled to. As you say if it's only going to get worse you might have reduced earnings in the future so you might as well save now while you can.

Simpsonsaddict · 27/07/2016 17:56

I agree - go for it. You meet the criteria so it's not like you're scamming anyone, you are claiming what you are legitimately entitled to. And it sounds like you are the perfect example of what this sort of thing is for - a bit of help. Free transport and help to get an interview so you can work, means you'll be claiming minimal benefits,
sounds win win to me.

(And I don't think the reduced tv licence is pushing it, if you're entitled take it and use the money for something useful)

Chippednailvarnishing · 27/07/2016 17:58

I don't really have an opinion either way, but out of interest how can you legally be able to drive but still have vision poor enough to be partially sighted? Or have I misunderstood?

lalalalyra · 27/07/2016 18:00

I would register, especially as you say your vision is getting progressively worse. Far better to have it in place before things get even more difficult than try to sort it all out later.

Wolfiefan · 27/07/2016 18:02

Go for it! You are in no way taking advantage. Let's face it I'm sure (like me) you would rather have perfect vision. Free transport and TV license both! I'm sure your glasses cost a fortune and aren't paid for!

MrsCampbellBlack · 27/07/2016 18:06

For me if you need the financial help that this would provide then I would register.

I could claim DLA for my eldest child as he has type one diabetes but don't as we don't need the money and I feel therefore we shouldn't claim.

But if if will help your life and your condition is getting worse then I think you should register/claim.

Sympathy as well - it sounds hard to live with.

OkToday · 27/07/2016 18:07

Out of curiosity do you know your prescription? My dd age 10 has quite poor vision and someone mentioned about registering her to get help toeards the cost of her glasses as the nhs voucher she gets does cover the full cost.

OkToday · 27/07/2016 18:10

And as far as for yourself if you are entitled to it go for it, at the end of the day glasses and sunglasses are expensive and you can't cope without them.

Original poster
Albusseverus · 27/07/2016 18:37

I actually have a pretty good job-I don't claim anything now as I'm perfectly capable of working. The job stuff I alluded to was based on improving my chances of promotion. That's why I feel to cagey about it.

The DVLA allow you to drive with just adequate sight in one eye. I have that (for now). It's quite odd that I qualify for registration for partial sightedness but can still, technically, drive.

I'm horrifically long sighted. I'm -10.75 in one eye. Not sure of the rest as never asked optician! Even if you are registered as partially sighted, the glasses you are entitled to are NHS ones. The frames are great but the lenses are ridiculously thick as the NHS won't pay for the thin ones.

OP posts:
OkToday · 27/07/2016 18:43

Thank you, dd is long sighted to she is + 11.75 in her right eye and + 10.50 in her left. I know what you mean about the lenses the last pair of glasses and sunglasses dd had came to a total of around £600 on top of her nhs voucher. She has a 30 degree squint that has been corrected a few times and the left eye position moved to make the right eye appear straight with glasses on.

OkToday · 27/07/2016 18:44

She has the 1.74 index lenses if that is any help, they are the thinnest available at the moment.

summerainbow · 27/07/2016 18:47

You will get a bus pass
won't get help with tv licence.
Can apply for pip but you will help to answer the right questions the right way.
If you get registered.

CurlyMoo · 27/07/2016 18:58

If you meet the criteria then go for it.

On the other, I'm not really sure how I feel about taking something when I don't identify myself as "disabled" and others out there may need the resources on offer more than me.

"Disabled" is such a misnomer, according to the definition. I loathe the term actually. You don't have to be paraplegic in order to have a disability.

Jigglybum · 27/07/2016 19:00

I say go for it.

Mari50 · 27/07/2016 19:02

Sorry but your vision can't be good enough for driving but qualify for registration for visual impairment. To be able to drive your acuity needs to meet a certain level and you need relatively intact peripheral vision. You can have good acuity and be registered visually impaired but only if your peripheral vision is totally decimated and then you wouldn't be fit to drive. Being 'one eyed' is not qualification for VI reg (even if that eye is significantly myopic -10.75)
You need to get referred to an ophthalmolgist for registration, if you're eligible take it as it does acknowledge the difficulties you have (and makes other people acknowledge them too)

MalcolmTuckersEyebrows · 27/07/2016 19:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Coulddowithanap · 27/07/2016 19:27

How would being registered partially sighted make you more likely to secure job interviews?

If you meet the requirements then why not register?

MalcolmTuckersEyebrows · 27/07/2016 19:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

VoldysGoneMouldy · 27/07/2016 19:58

Registering is difficult. I'm a cane user and not eligible. If you are eligible (I believe you'd need to see an ophthalmologist to have it sorted) then go for it.

misscph1973 · 27/07/2016 19:58

My DH is registered blind (he does have some vision). It's been a proces for him mentally to ask for help from other people than me or his DM, but he's fine now, he gets assistance when he travels by train and other stuff. He runs his own company, and it was such a relief for him when he was able to employ other people to do the things that are really hard for him, and just focus on being really good at the things he can do.

I would advice that you do it, but it could take a while for you to fully accept it, and to stop worrying about the term disabled. Try to focus on what you get by registering.

hobnobsaremyfavourite · 27/07/2016 20:07

www.rnib.org.uk/eye-health/registering-your-sight-loss
Here is some information about registration.
You have to have poor vision in bothe eyes.
Registration as sight impaired (old partial sight) does not guarantee eligibility for benefits but does assist in benefit application.
Tv licence reduction is only for severe sight impairment registration.

Careforadrink · 27/07/2016 20:40

Mari50

You can be registered partially blind/sighted and still be legal to drive. My aunt is.

She was referred to a DVLA appointed optician and passed their sight requirements but meets the criteria for partial sight as declared by her consultant.

HyruleWarrior · 28/07/2016 07:05

My ds was born with a condition that can't be corrected by glasses. He is registered and this was done by a consulatant opthamologist at our local hospital.
As others have said, you have to have to be registered as severely sight impaired (little to no vision) to be eligible for discount on tv licence. You will be eligible for a bus pass.
If your optician thinks you are eligible then why not?

Mari50 · 28/07/2016 07:23

Careforadrink - your aunt has a very sympathetic consultant.

Socksey · 28/07/2016 08:23

I would go for it if I were you. You don't have to "feel disabled" however you have physical limitations which make certain things difficult or impossible. A buss pass will help you as you have your other choices in transport limited. If you can get an interview for jobs with this ( you still have to mee the basic criteria) then go for it.... it guarantees an interview not the job so others aren't getting put out either. Good luck