Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Nystagmus and registering as partially sighted in the U.K. (self.Blind)
submitted by Taucher1979
Hi all. I am a 42 year old in the U.K. I have congenital nystagmus. My nystagmus is mild but I cannot drive. My vision is JUST short of the legal requirement to pass the driving test but, as it is nystagmus, it’s not correctable so been told driving is not an option.
I don’t feel that my condition has really held me back apart from the driving issue. Because I don’t have glasses and live a normal life people don’t realise that I have this.
I was wondering if I can register as partially sighted and if there is any benefit to doing so. I’m wondering this because I don’t feel like I’ve properly got to grips with my condition and, because I am fully independent, I don’t really feel like either I or medical professionals have taken my condition seriously.
I’d appreciate any thoughts or feedback about this. I recognise it’s all a bit vague!
Thanks.
I don’t feel that my condition has really held me back apart from the driving issue. Because I don’t have glasses and live a normal life people don’t realise that I have this.
I was wondering if I can register as partially sighted and if there is any benefit to doing so. I’m wondering this because I don’t feel like I’ve properly got to grips with my condition and, because I am fully independent, I don’t really feel like either I or medical professionals have taken my condition seriously.
I’d appreciate any thoughts or feedback about this. I recognise it’s all a bit vague!
Thanks.
Vicki7789 1 points 2y ago
I’m in the UK. I have nystagmus and I’m registered as sight impaired but I have optic nerve atrophy that has taken some of my peripheral vision too so that may be why. I use a cane in certain situations because of poor depth perception, spatial awareness and shocking night vision.
Honestly, the not driving is the worst part. Everything else I can work around but sometimes public transport is awful and really holds me back. It took me years to find a job I was good at too.
Honestly, the not driving is the worst part. Everything else I can work around but sometimes public transport is awful and really holds me back. It took me years to find a job I was good at too.
niamhweking 1 points 2y ago
Have you linked in with rnib and nystagmus network?
I do think the UK had 2 levels severely sight impaired and partially sight impaired so you might fall into 2nd category -
To be certified as sight impaired (partially sighted) your sight has to fall into one of the following categories, while wearing any glasses or contact lenses that you may need:
Visual acuity of 3 / 60 to 6 / 60 with a full field of vision.
Visual acuity of up to 6 / 24 with a moderate reduction of field of vision or with a central part of vision that is cloudy or blurry.
Visual acuity of 6 / 18 or even better if a large part of your field of vision, for example a whole half of your vision, is missing or a lot of your peripheral vision is missing.
I do think the UK had 2 levels severely sight impaired and partially sight impaired so you might fall into 2nd category -
To be certified as sight impaired (partially sighted) your sight has to fall into one of the following categories, while wearing any glasses or contact lenses that you may need:
Visual acuity of 3 / 60 to 6 / 60 with a full field of vision.
Visual acuity of up to 6 / 24 with a moderate reduction of field of vision or with a central part of vision that is cloudy or blurry.
Visual acuity of 6 / 18 or even better if a large part of your field of vision, for example a whole half of your vision, is missing or a lot of your peripheral vision is missing.
Opinion-Future 1 points 2y ago
You have to meet certain visual acuity measurements but I can’t remember them
poochbrah 1 points 2y ago
I'd advise calling the RNIB on 0303 123 9999
They'll advise you on exactly what you can do.
They'll advise you on exactly what you can do.
Eyes-4-Blindy 0 points 2y ago
I've never met somebody else with nystagmus before. I didn't even know certain places had the option to register.
niamhweking 1 points 2y ago
In the UK the rnib is there for anyone with vision impairment, even with a milder VI I'd highly recommend registering with any of your countries organisation for the blind, so many forms of help, advice and support are available.
Ncbi in Ireland.
Nystagmus network is the UK charity specific for Nystagmus
Ncbi in Ireland.
Nystagmus network is the UK charity specific for Nystagmus
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