What is meant by: ‘Severely Sight Impaired’ - (Blind) and ‘Sight Impaired’ - (Partially Sighted)?
These are terms used to define a person’s current level of sight. During your examination, the Consultant will measure your sight using an eye test chart called the Snellen Chart. The chart has nine lines of letters, decreasing in size from the top line and is used when testing your eyesight for glasses at the opticians.
Whether you are registered as blind or partially sighted will depend partly on what you are able to read on this chart and partly on your field of vision; your peripheral vision.
The word ‘Blind’ does not necessarily mean that you are or will be totally without sight. Only around 10% of people registered blind have no sight at all.
The term ‘Partially Sighted’ means your sight is substantially impaired, but not sufficiently to be registered as blind.
The form C.V.I is a statement of your current level of sight. It does not mean that your eyesight will get worse it simply states that your Consultant is of the opinion that your level of sight is such that you qualify for registration as blind of partially sighted.
