Low Vision - UK Registration Process

Forms

• Scotland - BP 1, NI - A655, England/Wales - BD 8
• New forms introduced in England, should spread to all UK soon - LVI, RVI, CVI

The Letter of Visual Impairment (LVI) Form is given to the patient by the optom. This is the self-referral form geared towards the general public. It is supplied by social services and can allow access to social services if required. The patient contacts the council him/herself.

The Referral of VIP (RVI) form is issued by the local ophthalmology department by people like ophthalmic nurses, optoms, DOs, junior docs, orthoptists. Again this applies for access to social services.

The Certificate of VP (CVI) form is completed by a consultant ophthalmologist. It certifies the px as blind and again grants access to social services as well as passes the info on to the census office. NB Access to help is not dependent on registration. The thing is some people don't like to be 'certified blind' because of the social stigma but would still benefit from the help.

The registration process begins with the BP1 or CVI being sent to social services, the GP and the census office for research. Then a social worker goes out to visit the patient to discuss if they wish to be registered and see if they need a community care assessment in which they are assessed to determine their quality of life wrt everyday tasks/items in their house. The patient then can receive the benefits. NB if it's a kid they are registered blind at the age of four unless there's obviously no sight from the beginning of life.

Benefits of being registered

• Px can access central govt services - need to be registered for these
• Can also access local authority services, although some are available without registration. The services include the community care assessment, large button telephone, reading light, home help, meals on wheels etc
• Some services provided by voluntary organisations may be charged for if the patient isn't registered
• You also get financial help - 50% off your TV license if you're blind (not partially sighted!) and free BT directory enquiries.
• Transport is free in some areas and you can claim a disabled badge
• RNIB do talking books among other stuff
• DLA for people under 65 and attendance allowance for people over 65

Being registered is helpful for people in general - statistics both nationally and for each local area help to determine funding and resource allocation. The estimate is that up to 50% of px who are eligible aren't registered. The main disadvantage is the loss of self-esteem and hope.

The problems with the whole registration thing

• Optom/Opthal may not even tell px about it
• Usually done by ophthal as 'last resort'
• Poor comms betw professionals involved
• Long waiting times
• Not enough social workers & they may not be trained in dealing with LV patients