Does having only one eye count as a disability?

dalore

My partner only has one eye, she lost it when she was 3 from cancer. Does this count as having a disability?

She reckons it it isn't since she isn't substantially hampered by it, but I think she just might not want to be labelled.

But money is tight, and a baby is on the way so if there are benefits we are entitled to but not getting, it's worth checking it out.

Lirin

I have one eye.

I was offered disability years ago, and refused it, as I don't consider myself disabled. Never had it, never missed it!

According to my optician, I wouldn't qualify as disabled or partially sighted as my sight is thankfully nowhere near bad enough in the remaining eye (-4.75 sphere). It would carry drawbacks too, I believe- higher car insurance, etc....

There's an optician on here- nedmundo- who would be good to contact. I may be wrong, but from what I understand, I'd need to be almost blind in the remaining eye to be considered as partially sighted or disabled.

KxMx

DLA is given for care and/or mobility needs,not for a particular problem. ESA is given if you are unable to work due to illness/disability. So, it doesn't look like there is anything.

dalore

Not really looking for a handout, but wondering if she is entitled to any "perks" like freedom passes etc that would make life a little bit easier. Reading all the definitions and googling it seems to be that having one eye is the grey area between disabled and not, with some people able to claim disability, and others getting rejected.

Prinzessilein

Is your partner able to drive?

My Local Authority allow me to have a bus pass because I am unable, on medical grounds, to apply for a driving licence.

dalore

She has a drivers license all though she doesn't drive. The DVLA does state that mono-ocular is not necessarily grounds for refusing a license. I read the freedom pass rules and one of the 7 reasons it gives is that if you're unable to drive on medical grounds, your eligible. It doesn't say that if you eligible for a drivers license, you can't get a freedom pass.

Errata

People with only one eye drive, work, play sport, cook, clean, etc. They don't seem to be disabled by the loss of sight in one eye.

dalore

Errata wrote: »

People with only one eye drive, work, play sport, cook, clean, etc. They don't seem to be disabled by the loss of sight in one eye.

Yes that was our belief too, but then reading these forums other people with one eye are claiming disability, so it is confusing.

Indie_Kid

It depends on the person. Some manage with one eye and can driven. Other people can't drive. A friend has full vision in one eye and vision loss in the other. He drives. He had to prove to the DVLA that he's just as safe as people with two working eyes.

Oldernotwiser

If your partner doesn't wish to define herself as disabled, you should respect her wishes.

kurgon

I have only got sight in one eye but my field of vision is good, so I can drive. If your partner has a driving license she would not be able to get a freedom pass;
' I read the freedom pass rules and one of the 7 reasons it gives is that if you're unable to drive on medical grounds, your eligible.' ergo has a driving license is fit to drive and does not meet the criteria.
The only time you can get one and drive is if you receive high rate mobility DLA which as taed earlier is not so much about what illness or disability you have but your ability to walk or your care needs.