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Registration as blind or partially sighted


Dundee City Council has a statutory obligation under the National Assistance Act (1948) to identify and make arrangements for disabled people, including individuals who are blind or partially sighted and to keep a register of these people. These registers are known as the blind register and the partially sighted register and Dundee Blind & Partially Sighted Society holds this register on behalf of the council.

How does it work?
A consultant ophthalmologist will make the decision whether registration is appropriate. With your consent they will complete a BP1 (Certificate of Blindness or defective Vision). You will either be registered as Partially Sighted or as Blind.
Registration as blind does not necessarily mean that a person is, or will be, totally without sight; only that the loss is causing severe problems. Registration as partially sighted is similar, although the loss of functional vision is generally less severe.The BP1 is forwarded to the Society where your details are entered onto our database.

What Happens Next?
Once the details of the registration are entered on the database, the case is allocated to a care manager within 5 days and contact will be made within 2 days of allocation. It is expected that a visit will be made within 5 working days to discuss any needs arising from the registration and to ensure that any benefits of registration are met.


Benefits of Registration

Registered Blind -

  • Blind Person's personal income tax allowance
  • Change to lower band in Council Tax if a room is adapted
  •  Free NHS Sight Test - tell optician before sight test
  •  TV Licence Reduction of 50% - ask your Care Manager for a letter confirming registration
  • Blue Badge Parking Concession - your Care Manager will stamp the application form. Two photographs are needed and Dundee City Council charge a fee of £20 for the badge.

OR

  • Taxi Card - for discounted taxi journeys. Your Care Manager will complete the form. This is incorporated into the travel pass.

NB - Clients can no longer receive both Blue Badge and Taxi Card

  • Travel Pass - for free travel on buses, coaches and trains throughout Scotland. This can include Companion card also. The society informs Dundee City Council of registration. One photograph is needed if not already in receipt of travel pass.
  • BT 195 Service - for free connection through operator. Your Care Manager will complete the form.
  • Wireless for the blind - dependant on circumstances. Your Care Manager will complete the form.
  • Benefits Check - your Care Manager will undertake this: e.g. Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Pension Credit. Please note: there is no Blind Pension benefit.
  • Audio Books - free service from Calibre. Your Care Manager will complete the form.

Registered Partially Sighted -

  • Travel Pass - for free travel on buses, coaches and trains throughout Scotland. The society informs Dundee City Council of registration. One photograph is needed if not already in receipt of travel pass.
  • Free Sight Test - tell optician before sight test
  • BT 195 Directory Enquiries - for free connection through operator. Your Care Manager will complete the form.
  • Audio Books - free service from Calibre. Your Care Manager will complete the form.
  • Benefits Check - your Care Manager will undertake this.

Non - Registered Clients -

  • Audio Books - free service from Calibre. Your Care Manager will complete the form.
  • Benefits Check - your Care Manager will undertake this.


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Social Work
Rehabilitation
Welfare Rights Advice
Referral