What is the sight level needed for a CVA?

disney_cjd

Hi All

Does anyone knwo what level of vision you have to have or not have I suppose to get a CVA?

I have looked around websites but that do not really say what the level is

Thanks

allydowd

Sorry, not with you. Can you explain a bit more?

leylie

Hello, What you're referring to is a CVI (Certificate of Visual Impairment). There are 2 categories
1. Partially Sighted/Sight Impaired
2. Severely Sight Impaired/Blind
There isn't a specific level as such as it depends on what your eye condition/problem is.

Only an Eye Consultant (normally seen at a hospital) can sign a CVR (Registration Form).

If you're already under the hospital, speak to your consultant at your next visit.
If you're NOT currently under the care of an Eye Consultant then I would recommend that you first of speak to your optician, they will have a good idea of how bad the sight is. If applicable, the optician will write to your GP recommending you to be seen by a Consultant.

If you want to pm me with more details I may be able to give you more specific advice.

Leylie
(I work as a Special Needs Advisor for people with Visual Impairment)
PS Sorry I didn't reply sooner - I'm only an occasional visitor to the forums

disney_cjd

leylie wrote: »

Hello, What you're referring to is a CVI (Certificate of Visual Impairment). There are 2 categories
1. Partially Sighted/Sight Impaired
2. Severely Sight Impaired/Blind
There isn't a specific level as such as it depends on what your eye condition/problem is.

Only an Eye Consultant (normally seen at a hospital) can sign a CVR (Registration Form).

If you're already under the hospital, speak to your consultant at your next visit.
If you're NOT currently under the care of an Eye Consultant then I would recommend that you first of speak to your optician, they will have a good idea of how bad the sight is. If applicable, the optician will write to your GP recommending you to be seen by a Consultant.

If you want to pm me with more details I may be able to give you more specific advice.

Leylie
(I work as a Special Needs Advisor for people with Visual Impairment)
PS Sorry I didn't reply sooner - I'm only an occasional visitor to the forums

many thanks

yes sorry I meant a CVI

I have congental nystagmus at quite a severe level and can not drive. I wanted to get a disabled railcard but need a CVI

I am under moorefields so will ask there, basically I can read three lines of an eye chart with my right eye and top with my left.

Thanks

leylie

I would recommend that when you have the date of your next appointment, phone your consultant's secretary beforehand and ask for your consultant to be advised that you want to talk about Registration. It gives the Consultant a chance to review your notes accordingly beforehand and if necessary obtain any extra tests to help make a decision. (and if you're REALLY lucky - get the paperwork ready!!;))

Don't expect to get the Registration done quickly though - in my area it can take up to 3 months for the paperwork to get through to the local Authority THEN it's up to the local Social Services (SSD) to actually issue a Registration Card.
(If you ever move to a different area, the Registration needs to get transferred.)

Once a CVI is signed as processed by the hospital, a copy will be sent to SSD, the GP and the person to whom it applies. It's possible that a copy of the form will be sufficient proof to get the rail card (sorry I haven't got one of the application forms to hand to check this).

I would also ask your local authority for an assessment anyway - or at least who they refer people to for advice so that you're aware of any other assistance and possibly equipment that might be useful to you (you don't need to be Registered for this)

Some useful links (if I can get them to work !!)

The RNIB summary about Registration
http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/publicwebsite/public_cert_vi.hcsp

Royal College of Opthalmologists - bit technical but check pages 3 & 4 paragraphs 24-30
http://www.rcophth.ac.uk/docs/profstands/ExplanatoryNotesForCounsultants&EyeClinicStaff.pdf -

NALSVI - the National Association of Local Services for Visually Impaired People
Find your local association and contact them for advice applicable to your local area
http://www.nalsvi.cswebsites.org/default.aspx?page=1112

Best of luck

Leylie