Prognosis and Duration of disabling effects
| Condition | Progression | Treatment | Prognosis | Award Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cataract | Worsens gradually | Yes Surgery improves condition. | Recovery should occur within 6 months of surgery. | 1 year award |
| Glaucoma | Worsens gradually until stabilised by treatment | Yes surgery may be necessary. Drops for life. | Lifelong | Indefinite award |
| Diabetic Retinopathy | Worsens | Condition stabilised but not improved by treatment. | Lifelong | Indefinite award |
| Macular Degeneration | Worsens | "Dry" Type – no treatment available. "Wet" Type – treatment is available for this type, which may stabilise the progression of the disease to some extent. |
Lifelong | Indefinite award |
| Retinitis Pigmentosa | Worsens | No treatment. | Lifelong | Indefinite award |
| Retinal Detachment | Worsens | Treatment needed or vision rapidly deteriorates. | Lifelong. Best indication of success occurs around 6 months following operation | Date of Onset – Less than 1 year – 1 year award Date of Onset – More than 1 year – Indefinite award |
The table above gives suggested award duration depending upon the nature of visual impairment present and will be correct in the majority of cases. There will be rare cases where there is blindness of sudden onset in a person of working age resulting in a particular level of entitlement for a certain period, which may reduce following a period of re-adjustment.
However, in general:
- A need for guidance or supervision is likely to be permanent unless there is an improvement in vision.
- Sudden onset blindness (Infrequent) is likely to result in extensive day care/supervision but with time, the person will adapt and be likely to safely find their way around their own home.
- Unless there is improvement in vision, the person will unlikely to ever be capable of safely preparing a cooked main meal, selecting clothing and checking their appearance.
- Careful consideration should be given to the person’s ability to safely move around indoors and use a bottle or commode.
- Interaction between blindness and other disabling conditions needs to be carefully considered.
Entitlement to H/R Mobility under the Deaf/blind provisions is appropriate
The Hearing Loss guidance must also be consulted to decide award duration
Entitlement to H/R Mobility under the SVI provisions is appropriate
Indefinite award
If information/evidence suggests that an indefinite award is not appropriate, discuss with Medical Services.
All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.
Amended April 2011
