What evidence is available?

Note: If considering entitlement to H/R Mobility component under the Severely Visually Impaired (SVI) provisions, the following evidence source must be used:

The Consultant Ophthalmologist will be able to provide information about symptoms, signs, investigations including assessment of vision, treatment/management, and is likely to have information about resulting disability or needs.

The claimant and / or carer may be able to provide information about near and distant visual acuity or perhaps provide a certificate confirming registration of partial sightedness or blindness (if appropriate). However, if details of central or peripheral visual defect are needed, the Consultant or General Practitioner is an appropriate source of information.

ROVIC (Rehabilitation Officers Visually Impaired Children) will be able to provide information about Symptoms, signs, investigations including assessment of vision, treatment/management, and likely to have information about resulting disability or needs.

The Orthopist will be able to provide information about assessment of vision (visual acuity and fields).

The Optometrist will be able to provide information about symptoms, signs, investigations including assessment of vision, treatment/management, and likely to have information about resulting disability, needs and provision of low vision aids.

Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI)

The CVI provides details of near and distant visual acuity. However, it can also provide details of visual field loss and additional information that may be useful to the DM. A copy of the CVI is sent to the customer and GP therefore it is worthwhile asking the customer / carer for a copy if one is available.

Low Vision Assessment Report

For some visually impaired claimants (usually those with a recent sight loss) a low vision assessment report could be helpful. Services across the country may differ, and can also be called different things in different places, however, they come under the umbrella of Social Services. There are national standards for Social Services departments called 'Progress in Sight' but they are not mandatory. In some places the low vision service could be in-house with Social Services, in others it may be contracted to a local voluntary group.

However for those people who have had a low vision assessment, the report could be of great use in describing the practical difficulties arising from their vision loss.

In certain circumstances (e.g. deaf / blind cases), it may be appropriate for the Decision Maker to request an Audiological report (a technical assessment) to establish the extent of deafness in a customer.

• List of NHS hospitals with ophthalmology departments
• RNIB Website
• VILD Rehabilitation services (standard 14 concerns rehabilitation services)
• Visionary - Linking Local Light Sight Loss Charities

Amended April 2011