This page answers some common questions about blindness and visual impairment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Join over 87,000 others, and be part of the movement driving change for disabled people. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
It includes links to more detailed information on key aspects of visual impairment. Find out more about causes of visual impairment, eye tests, certificates of visual impairment, vision aids and benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On this page: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The term \u201cvisual impairment\u201d is used to describe sight loss that cannot be corrected using glasses or contact lenses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The word “blindness” is commonly used to describe total, or near-total sight loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many possible causes of visual impairment or blindness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The leading cause of visual impairment in adults is age-related macular degeneration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The retina is a thin layer of tissue that lines the back of the inside of eye. At the centre of the retina is the \u201cmacula\u201d, a small oval-shaped area that contains all the cells that help us see well. With age, the macula wears out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other significant causes of sight loss in adults are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We offer support for disabled people all over the UK<\/a>. To find out what kind of support we could give you or your loved one with complex disabilities, speak to one of our friendly team.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n Visual impairment in children can be caused by a number of conditions and syndromes, including cataracts, aniridia, coloboma, retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more about the most common conditions from the Royal Society for Blind Children.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more about Usher syndrome.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s best to make an appointment with your optician for an initial check-up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If necessary, they\u2019ll refer you to an eye specialist \u2013 an ophthalmologist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your vision has deteriorated very suddenly, you should seek urgent medical help. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n If your vision has deteriorated to a certain level, you might want to get a certificate of visual impairment. Usually, if you\u2019re eligible for this, your eyecare professional will talk to you about it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on how severe your vision loss is, you’ll either be registered as: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting a certificate simply means being on your local authority\u2019s social service\u2019s register of people who are either sight impaired (SI) or severely sight impaired (SSI). <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s voluntary and completely confidential. Your details won\u2019t be shared. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your eye specialist will determine whether you meet the criteria to register as sight impaired or severely sight impaired. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you do, this is what will happen: <\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019ll ask if you want to be included on its register of blind and partially sighted people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you say you do, then you become registered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your local council will often give you a registration card that proves your registration status. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you choose not to be registered, you can still get support from social services to help you remain independent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more about the criteria for certification from the RNIB.<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re blind or visually impaired, it is up to you whether or not you identify as disabled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, under the Equality Act 2010<\/strong>, if you\u2019re registered with your local authority as either sight impaired or severely sight impaired, you automatically meet the act\u2019s definition of a disabled person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This act is in place to make sure that disabled people have equal access and opportunity without discrimination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more sight loss and the Equality Act 2010.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n At Sense, we support the social model of disability \u2013 the understanding that disability is something that is created by society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is because disabled people face barriers that stop them from taking part in society in the same way as non-disabled people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more about the social model of disability.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In the UK, more than two million people are living with sight loss. Of these, around 340,000 are registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you or your child have just been diagnosed with sight loss, it can be a scary time. Everyone\u2019s situation is different. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have questions about symptoms or a diagnosis, or need support in other ways, you can contact Sense\u2019s information and advice service<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many ways to make your everyday life easier if you have a visual impairment. These include lighting, traditional hand-held devices and more high-tech solutions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more about assistive technology for people with sight loss.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a certificate of visual impairment<\/a>, it can help you to get a range of benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These may include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n To find out about benefits, grants and other financial support you might be entitled to, please visit our Benefits and money section<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We’re here for people with complex disabilities and their families all over the UK. Get in touch to find out more about the services we offer.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n Signs of <\/strong>visual impairment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Signs of visual impairment in children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Worried about your sight? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do I get a certificate of visual impairment?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
What is a certificate of visual impairment?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Getting your certificate <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Is being blind a disability?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How many blind people are there in the UK?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Information and support for coping with sight loss<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Vision aids<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What benefits can I claim if I’m visually impaired?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Support from Sense<\/h2>\n\n\n\n