Only an Ophthalmologist (eye doctor) can issue a ‘Certificate of Vision Impairment’ (CVI), change it or officially cancel it (de-certify).
This link explains why and how a certificate of vision impairment is given.
The CVI formally confirms someone as either severely sight impaired or sight impaired.
The CVI is also a request for a social care assessment. This assessment can bring together services and support if needed. In Devon, the ROVIC Service carry out this assessment as part of the CVI registration process for all children under the age of 18.
The ophthalmologist will send a copy of the CVI to the ROVIC Service. Once we receive this, we will contact you.
What happens after a CVI has been issued
The issuing of a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) by a consultant in ophthalmology (eye doctor) formally confirms the level of vision as either severely sight impaired or sight impaired.
The CVI also acts as a request for a social care assessment. This assessment will be undertaken by the ROVIC Service.
Completing the registration process
After we have received a copy of the CVI from the consultant ophthalmologist we will contact you to arrange either a home visit, video or telephone call. Please allow around 90 minutes for this meeting. We need time to make sure we find out what support your child or young person might need from us.
Following our meeting with you we might, with your agreement:
- make a referral to other specialist services
- sign post you to local or national charities and organisations
- make a referral to the Disabled Children’s Service and request a social care needs assessment
Local authority register for vision impairment
Under the Care Act 2014 all local authorities have a duty to keep a register of people issued with a CVI for their sight loss.
In Devon, the register for those under the age of 18 years is kept and maintained by the ROVIC Service. However, you can choose not to have your child’s name added to this register. If you have any questions or concerns about this please contact us.
Information about the Care Act 2014 can be found here.
A social care needs assessment
Children and young people with disabilities under 18 years old can ask for an assessment of all their needs.
The aim of a needs assessment is to find out the needs of both the child as well as their family and agree outcomes to help maintain or improve their wellbeing.
This can range from offering information and sign posting, to the arranging of services or support, including direct payments (personal budgets) to meet the identified needs.
The Disabled Children’s Service can undertake a child’s needs assessment. Find out more about accessing support from the Disabled Children’s Service.
Information pack
A ROVIC information pack will be given during the home visit or hospital eye clinic appointment. If you need an additional or replacement pack please contact us.
CVI – benefits and concessions
You might be eligible for the following benefits and concessions if you are certified as either sight impaired or severely sight impaired:
- The National Bus Pass gives free off peak travel on local buses anywhere in England from age 5 years.
- The Disabled Persons Railcard provides a discount when travelling by train. One adult can get a third off most rail fares. Fares will be charged for children aged between 5 and 15 years old.
- Rail discounts are also available in England and Wales if you don’t have a Disabled Persons Railcard. You can use the ROVIC ‘registration’ card to buy discounted rail tickets.
- For customers who stay in their own wheelchair during a rail journey, concessionary rail discounts are available on adult and child fares.
- The Cinema Exhibitors Association offer a national concessionary card that enables those aged 8 years and over with disabilities to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go to the cinema with them.
- Royal Mail offers free postage on qualifying items labelled ‘Articles for the Blind’.
The following additional benefits are available only if you are certified as severely sight impaired:
- There is a 50% reduction in the cost of a TV license for those who are certified as severely sight impaired.
- The Blue Badge parking scheme helps people with disabilities or health conditions park closer to their destination.
- The Devon Companion Bus Pass is available to applicants of secondary school age or above who are registered severely sight impaired or have a severe disability and are only able to access local bus services with the assistance of a travelling companion.
The above information can also be found in the Starting Out booklet from the RNIB.
Registration card
We will send you a registration card which will state:
- your name
- your home address
- the date the certificate was issued
- your visual impairment status of either sight impaired or severely sight impaired
This card can be used instead of the paper certificate to access leisure concessions when out and about.
Free home safety checks
The ROVIC Service work in partnership with the Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. We can arrange a home safety visit on your behalf. See our contact us page for details of how to get in touch.
You can also make direct contact by telephone on 0800 05 02 999 or for further information please look at the Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service website.