Breadcrumb Trail
Visual Impairment Registration
Anyone having difficulties because of poor eyesight is entitled to ask social services to assess her/his needs.
An ophthalmologist (eye specialist) can confirm if you are eligible to be registered as Blind/severely sight impaired or Partially Sighted/sight impaired. They will ask you to sign a form - 'the CVI' (Certificate of Visual Impairment) - and copies are then sent to us and to your own doctor.
Most visually impaired people who are eligible to be registered as blind still have some useful vision. Registration is voluntary and you do not have to be registered to receive services. However being registered can open the door to concessions and benefits such as travel, parking, some welfare payments, reduced TV licence charge and local specialised services. All list of benefits and services are lited below.
We keep 2 registers related to visual impairment - "Blind/ severely sight impaired" and "Partially Sighted/sight impaired". We have a legal duty to maintain registers of people with disabilities and the information is used to help us plan future services.
When we receive your CVI form we will ask whether you wish to be included on the register and will offer advice and information about local services. If you wish to be assessed for support from social services we can arrange that. If you wish to be registered we will arrange for a Proof of Registration card to be sent to you.
The Benefits of Registering as Blind or Partially Sighted
Benefit entitlement
You may be entitled to benefits such as Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance, Council Tax Benefit, etc. To find out more, please see our Benefits advice page or contact the advice team on 0161 912 2735. Lines are open Monday to Thursday 9:30am-12pm.
Increased Income Tax Allowance
Blind Person's Allowance available to registered blind person and his/her spouse. To fine our more, visit the HM Revenue & Customs website, or call the priority line on 0845 366 7887. Lines are open from 8am-10 Monday to Friday and 8am-4pm on a Saturday.
Bus Travel
You may qualify for a concessionary bus pass giving free travel throughout England. Find out more information by visiting the GMPTE website or by calling our Physical Disability & Sensory Team on 0161 912 4362.
Rail Travel
You could get 1/3 off most Standard and First Class fares with a Disabled Persons Railcard (which currently costs £18 a year). For more information please visit the Disabled Persons Railcard website or call 0845 605 0525.
Taxi Travel Voucher Scheme
A taxi travel voucher scheme is a possible alternative to bus passes for registered blind people. For more information please call our Physical Disability & Sensory Team on 0161 912 4263.
Blue Car Badges
Blue car badges allow cars carrying people who are registered blind or people who have severe walking difficulties to use disabled parking facilities. For more information please see our Blue Car Badges page.
Television Licence Reductions
Registered blind or severely sight impaired people qualify for 50% reduction in cost of TV licence. For more information please visit the TV Licensing website.
Digital Switchover Assistance Scheme
Registered blind or partially sighted people are eligible for help from the Switchover Help Scheme. The scheme is free you get Pension Credit, Income Support or Incomebased Job Seekers Allowance. For more information please see the Help Scheme website.
Trafford Talking News
The news from Stretford, Urmston and Altrincham Messenger supplied free of charge to registered blind and partially sighted people in Trafford. For more information, please see Karen Mossman or call 0161 291 0284.
Radio/Cassette Player/ CD Player
Available on free permanent loan from British Wireless for the Blind Society to Trafford residents who have a Certificate of Visual Impairment. For more information, please visit the Blind Society website or call Janet or Don at Henshaws 0161 872 1234.
Talking Book Service
The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) offers over 15,000 audio books, delivered by post for an annual subscription of £76. For more information, please visit the RNIB website or call 0845 762 6843.
Who to contact
Physical Disability and Sensory Team
Waterside House
Sale Waterside
M33 7ZF
Email: sensoryenquiries@trafford.gov.uk
Telephone: 0161 912 4450/ 4362
Fax: 0161 912 4076
Minicom: 0161 912 4377/ 4381
This page was last reviewed on 27 October 2009
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