Important changes to Certificate of Vision Impairment Form

When a person’s sight loss reaches certain levels they are entitled, if consenting, to be certified as severely sight impaired or sight impaired by a Consultant Ophthalmologist. 

Certification should be seen as an opportunity for the patient to access support and services and not an end point. Certification of Visual Impairment became an NHS outcome measure/public health indicator for England in 2012.

From 17 August 2017, a new CVI form and accompanying Explanatory Notes for Ophthalmologists will replace those currently found on DH website. They are available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-published-on-registering-a-vision-impairment-as-a-disability

The purpose of updating the CVI form

The aim is to make the CVI process more effective to ensure that people who are newly certified as sight impaired or severely sight impaired receive the support the need as soon as possible.