ESA assessment and sight loss query

Bookowl

Hi there, I hope someone can help me with a question regarding my upcoming ESA assessment. I know that my vision will be tested during the assessment, particularly when it comes to reading print. I used to use a magnifier to assist with reading, but I can no longer do so because my vision has become blurry. This means it takes me much longer to read, as the text is so zoomed in that the magnifier only reads a section of the paragraph or sentence at a time. During the assessment, will I be required to use a magnifier, even if it is reasonable to assume that I could? I’m concerned that I may lose points if I choose not to use one. Thank you for your help!

TELLIT01

Are you planning to have anybody with you for the assessment?  It might be helpful for a number of reasons.  They will be able to oversee the assessment, although not generally be able to intervene.  That may help you relax more.  Don't be afraid to tell the assessor that you can no longer read because everything is blurred.

Bookowl

Yes, someone is coming with me. Thank you, will they test my ability to read with a magnifier though ? Even if doing so means the vision is blurry?

TELLIT01

I can't answer the specific I'm afraid but, from what you have said, any tests would simply confirm your situation.

Easy for me to say, but try not to worry before the appointment.

born_again

Bookowl said:

Hi there, I hope someone can help me with a question regarding my upcoming ESA assessment. I know that my vision will be tested during the assessment, particularly when it comes to reading print. I used to use a magnifier to assist with reading, but I can no longer do so because my vision has become blurry. This means it takes me much longer to read, as the text is so zoomed in that the magnifier only reads a section of the paragraph or sentence at a time. During the assessment, will I be required to use a magnifier, even if it is reasonable to assume that I could? I’m concerned that I may lose points if I choose not to use one. Thank you for your help!

Do you have anything from the ophthalmology dept to back up/confirm your poor sight? I would think that is a must & the evidence you require.

nannytone_2

They just asked me to read a normal sight chart, obviously I couldn't, but I am registered blind.
Can you read signs, such as fire exits?

Bookowl

nannytone_2 said:

They just asked me to read a normal sight chart, obviously I couldn't, but I am registered blind.
Can you read signs, such as fire exits?

I can read some lines on a sight chart but cant read to see signs such a fire exits, read bus stops or numbers and items such as those in the supermarket. I’ll either have someone with me or use supermarket assistance. This is in an report from my rehab worker 

Bookowl

Also, with regards to crossing the road on your own. Do they expect that someone would come with you to cross the road? The way it’s worded is odd

nannytone_2

I was never asked about crossing the road.  A friend went with me, but I went into the assessment on my own.
If you cannot read 16 point print or braille, you should be placed in the support froup.
At every opportunity, we wrote on my ESA50 ...  meets support group descriptor 7ii ...  cannot read braille, cannot read 16 point print.

huckster

Never heard of any assessment including any magnifier usage check.

TimeLord1

Do you have a  Certificate of Vision Impairment  (CVI)?

Have you been assessed by a consultant ophthalmologist that provided a consultation report outcome letter?