Disability question

[Accy cyclist]

I went to see the doctor yesterday about a number of things. One was about my eyesight. I'm blind in my right eye. The doctor said i might be entitled to some disability benefit due to my condition and how it affects my work and quality of life. She said i should contact social services and take it from there,but i've looked at a few pages and can't find anything about claiming for sight loss. Do any of you know how i can get in touch with someone who can advise or help me? Thanks for any replies, i'm off to work now so i wont be able to reply till later today.

 

[gbb]

The RNIB site may be of help.

 

[stephec]

Is there a general enquiries number for social services that you can ring and tell them what you've told us here?

 

[ianrauk]

Go to your local CAB

 

[Electric_Andy]

My Gran sought the help of the RNIB, she was given access to things like newspapers on CD, and a link to a range of products like illuminated magnifying lenses etc. Probably not applicable to you, but I guess they can direct products and services to fit in with your needs.

 

[ufkacbln]

A lot of the disability allowances are to assist with a "normal life"

If for instance you need assistance with basic tasks, you have problems getting from A to B

As above RNIB will be able to advise.

Also if you are "ex Service" there is support from Service Organisations as well which work to different criteria.

 

[Nibor]

https://help.rnib.org.uk/help/money-benefits/entitled

 

[PaulSB]

I can't comment on your specific situation but after 28 years of form filling on behalf of my son who has Downs Syndrome I can offer some broad advice.

When completing claims forms do not be positive. Do not give a hint that you can cope with the situation. It's quite bizarre I've spent all my son's life being positive and ensuring he would lead the very happy life he has. Except when dealing with any government department which gives financial support and then one has to be negative, negative and even more negative!!

Good luck.

 

[User33236]

Also, if you drive, your GP should have advised you to notify DVLA if you have lost sight in one eye.

For car or motorcycle licence holders there is no need to notify the DVLA of monocular vision provided you are still able to meet the standards of vision for driving.

 

[r04DiE]

I can't comment on your specific situation but after 28 years of form filling on behalf of my son who has Downs Syndrome I can offer some broad advice.

When completing claims forms do not be positive. Do not give a hint that you can cope with the situation. It's quite bizarre I've spent all my son's life being positive and ensuring he would lead the very happy life he has. Except when dealing with any government department which gives financial support and then one has to be negative, negative and even more negative!!

Good luck.

This is absolutely the truth and you should take heed of this when filling in your forms. Be sure to consider worst case scenario for each question and answer appropriately.

 

[postman]

Any chance of me making a 66 year back dated claim.I was born with a squint.The best way of describing how i see in one eye is,i don't, my vision is like looking at a Picasso painting,through a lopsided keyhole with blackness on both sides.Along with having two hearing aids.Without i would be useless.So do i qualify for anything.It does not affect my quality of life,other than i wanted to be a Policeman but my one eye let me down.

 

[Accy cyclist]

Any chance of me making a 66 year back dated claim.I was born with a squint.The best way of describing how i see in one eye is,i don't, my vision is like looking at a Picasso painting,through a lopsided keyhole with blackness on both sides.Along with having two hearing aids.Without i would be useless.So do i qualify for anything.It does not affect my quality of life,other than i wanted to be a Policeman but my one eye let me down.

But you're retired i'm not. I'm expected to take risks climbing ladders and stuff. Only today i slipped and fell while trying to bar someone's back gate, cutting a one inch gash under my arm(the idiot had knocked nails on top to deter cats). If i was on a state pension i wouldn't be asking.

 

[PhilDawson8270]

Sorry - but the advice from the RNIB is that you must inform DVLA. I think they're the experts on this.

But the UK Government says you do not.

https://www.gov.uk/monocular-vision-and-driving

 

[Accy cyclist]

Did your doctor refer you to an ophthalmologist for a proper assessment? If not, ask for them to do so.

Also, if you drive, your GP should have advised you to notify DVLA if you have lost sight in one eye.

What would an assessment achieve? I'l have it on record somewhere that i'm totally blind in one eye apart from being able to see a faint shadow of my hand when i hold it up to my face in bright sunlight.

 

[PhilDawson8270]

What would an assessment achieve? I'l have it on record somewhere that i'm totally blind in one eye apart from being able to see a faint shadow of my hand when i hold it up to my face in bright sunlight.

What will they do to help you with your work? Can the sight be improved? Can it help buy adapted equipment?