How bad is my sight?

[Bobbie915]

I have received a letter from the hospital giving me the latest information about the state of my sight.

Right eye - 6/120

Left eye - 6/38

Does anyone know if it would be classed as severe? I am nearly 90 and really struggling now sadly, living on my own. Is my sight bad enough to claim extra personal allowance from the Inland Revenue. I also read that you can get TV license reduced. This is something I really begrudge paying. I cannot see the screen and never switch the TV on but I do use iPlayer that is up close to my eyes. I also read that you can get a reduction in Council Tax.

Long time since I last posted. Not popped my clogs yet!!!

Best wishes , Bobbie

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Hello Bobbie915,

In terms of registration (CVI), it is only an ophthalmologist who can determine if you meet the criteria to be registered, and at what level. If you do, then it is the ophthalmologist who completes the necessary forms and sends them off on your behalf. It can then take approximately 3 months for the forms to be processed. If you are not currently under an ophthalmologist, then you would need a referral to a retinal specialist via your GP:

macularsociety.org/media/ze...

Kind regards,

Macular Society

Advice and Information Service

[Bobbie915 in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

Thanks Rosalyn. good to know you are still there to give advice. I understand what you have said. I have read so much online that has confused me more and more. Keep up the good work. xx

[Hidden]

Hi Bobbie915 It will be worth checking if you are entitled to attendance allowance which is not means tested and is supposed to help with personal costs I.e a cleaner, gardener & transport. I’m afraid I don’t know the actual criteria. Also once registered you will be entitled to a Blue Badge which is very useful for people taking you to places like hospitals.

Best wishes

Em

[Bobbie915 in reply to Hidden]

thanks. Yes I do get attendance allowance. A nurse from a hospis caring for my husband just before he died, filled in the form for me, I have read that this also helps when applying for other things such as Blue Badge.

[Whitegoose]

Hi Bobby, I’m 83yrs old and get a free tv licence. I do believe that’s normal for everyone over 80 yrs. Call Age Concern, they will sort most things out for you.

Best of luck,

Pauline.

[Bobbie915 in reply to Whitegoose]

We used to get free TV licence but I understand that is now only available if you are getting benifts.

[Whitegoose in reply to Bobbie915]

Hi Bobby, you are right, I read this on Gov.Co.Uk.

You can get 50% off the cost of your TV licence if either: you're registered blind or severely sight impaired. you live with someone who is registered blind or severely sight impaired.gov.uk › television-lice...Financial help if you're disabled: Television licence discount - GOV.UK. My husband just told me we get a 50% discount. I am registered and also get A.A. Allowance. You must ask your Consultant if he can get you registered as severely sight impaired.

[Shimano]

CAnt help with the information you want but hats off to you Bobbie for soldiering on. I know how hard it can be. I’m 83 and pay for my tv license so not sure how whitegoose gets it free. Good idea to contact age concern though. Life has become very complicated. Good luck to you.

[JJnan in reply to Shimano]

In the UK everyone over 80 does not have to pay for a TV license

give them a ring Shimano x

[Shimano in reply to JJnan]

thanks jjan. I’ll look into it.

[Bobbie915 in reply to Shimano]

Too complicated for us oldies!

[JJnan]

Age Concern will help you with everything ..make an appointment Bobbie x

[springcross]

Hi Bobbie. I agree about Age UK (previously known as Age Concern and Help The Aged), they are well up on this sort of advice. All the best to you. xx

Age UK, Bath & North East Somerset 01225 466135