Services for Severely Sight Impaired and Sight Impaired People

Helpline:

01302 327 800

Fax:
01302 327 205

Minicom:
01302 768 297

(24 hour answer-machine available)

Opening Times

Monday - Thursday

9.30am to 4.00pm

Friday

9.30am to 3.00pm

Saturday/Sunday

Closed

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We now accept Debit & Credit Card Payments
(a minimum spend of £10)

Services for Severely Sight Impaired and Sight Impaired People

How to Register as Severely Sight Impaired/Sight Impaired

The Consultant Opthalmologist will decide whether you are eligible for registration by measuring your distance and field vision. There are specific rules about the level of sight needed to be registered severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted). If you meet the criteria, the Consultant can certify you as either severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted) by completing the certificate of vision impairment (CVI).

You will be asked to sign the form to agree that a copy can be sent to your local Social Services Department (Sensory Team), your GP and the Department of Health. The hospital will also keep a copy of the registration certificate.
Registration is optional but is useful as it may entitle you to certain benefits and concessions, and helps your local council to provide the appropriate levels of services for you.

Useful Information

The Sensory Team at DMBC provide a service for people who are severely sight impaired or sight impaired.
They will assess your requirements. They may be able to offer help at home, such as mobility training and advice in every day skills. A social worker can put together a Care Plan tailored to individual needs which could include information about Bus Passes, Talking Books, Tactile Markings for cookers and other appliances, and any equipment that may be available. You do not have to be registered as severely sight impaired or sight impaired to access this service.

Some companies such as British Gas, British Telecom, Water and Electricity Companies have special services for people with sight problems. Ask your local supplier for details.

If your mother, father, brother, sister or child has been diagnosed as having glaucoma, you too may be at risk. If you are 40 years old or over you will be entitled to Free NHS Sight Tests whatever your income.

Your sight can only be tested by a registered Ophthalmic Optician (Optometrist or an Ophthalmic Practitioner) see Leaflet HC11 'Are You Entitled To Help With Health Costs' available from DIAL The Disability Advisory Service or your local Job Centre Plus office.

Local Organisations

Partially Sighted Society
7/9 Bennetthorpe
Doncaster
DN2 6AA
Tel: 0844 4774 966
Fax: 0844 4774 969
E-mail: info@partsighted.org.uk
Website: www.partsight.org.uk
This Society gives information and personal advice to partially sighted people.
Large Print Publications and Visual Appliances are available from the Society, there is a charge for certain appliances. Free brochure and catalogue available.
Membership details are available from the Organisation.

Blind Inspirations Club
Gladys Ambler Centre
1a Warmsworth Road
Balby
Doncaster
Tel: 01302 853 530
Contact: Mrs. Eileen Thompson
Provides free social gathering and assorted activities.
Guide dogs welcome.
Lunch provided with voluntary donation.

Doncaster Reading Aids Unit
The Foyer
Central Library
Waterdale
Doncaster
DN1 3JE
Tel: 01302 735 391
E-mail: marilyn.parkin@doncaster.gov.uk
Contact:Marilyn Parkin
Reading aids available include magnifiers, large print or on to audio, access to on screen enlargement of print, Braille transcriptions, talking teletext at no cost if you are registered severely sight impaired or sight impaired.

Doncaster and District Association For The Visually Impaired
Clark Memorial Hall
Town Fields
Bennetthorpe
Doncaster
DN1 2JQ
Contact: Mrs Val Rolph
Tel: 01302 539 055
62 Saundby Close
West Bessacarr
Doncaster
DN4 7DE
Description:
The centre enables all severely sight impaired and sight impaired people and their carers to meet socially.
It has a programme of different events throughout the month.
Provides lunches at a small charge.

Vision Mexborough
61 Victoria Road
Mexborough
Doncaster
S64 9BX
Tel: 01709 591 013
Contact: Mary Oliver
Group meetings held every 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at Mexborough Library from 2:00 pm till 4:00 pm in the meeting room. Social activities, outings, discussions and guest speakers are organised. Open to visually impaired (over 18 years) family, carers and friends.

Doncaster & District Talking Newspapers for the Blind
Mr John Andrews
C/o 250 Thorne Road
Wheatley Hills
Doncaster
DN2 5AQ
Tel: 01302 645 260
Publishes the Talking Newspaper for the blind in the Doncaster and District.
Published every fortnight.
Also a Talking Magazine Published every Two months.
These are free services if you are registered severely sight impaired or sight impaired.
If you are not registered they can be obtained through the Library.

National Organisations

Royal National Institute of Blind People
105 Judd Street
London
WC1H 9NE
Helpline: 0303 123 99 99
E-mail: helpline@rnib.org.uk
Website: www.rnib.org.uk
This organisation aims to work for people with sight problems.
An advice service provides help on such topics as benefits, careers, legislation and education.

Action For Blind People
14 - 16 Verney Road
London
SE16 3DZ
RNIB Helpline: 0303 123 9999
Website: www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk
This is a national, voluntary organisation working for people with sight problems and their families.
It provides various services including employment and training, residential care and accommodation.

Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Burghfield Common
Reading
RG7 3YG
Tel: 0118 9835 555
Fax: 0118 9835 433
E-mail: guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk
Website: www.guidedogs.org.uk
The association will train visually impaired people over 16 years of age to use a Guide Dog safely and effectively, will teach you to look after your dog and will provide comprehensive and continuing support for all Guide Dog owners.

RP Fighting Blindness (Retinitis Pigmentosa)
P.O. Box 350
Buckingham
MK18 1GZ
Helpline: 0845 123 2354
Tel: 01280 821 334
Fax: 01280 815 900
E-mail: info@rpfightingblindness.org.uk
Website: www.rpfightingblindness.org.uk
The organisation offers support and advice to people with Retinitis Pigmentosa and their families.

International Glaucoma Association
Woodcote House
15 Highpoint Business Village
Henwood
Ashford
Kent
TN24 8DH
Tel: 01233 648 170
Fax: 01233 648 179
E-mail: info@iga.org.uk
Website: www.iga.org.uk
Offers support to people who have Glaucoma and professionals involved with their care.
The association sends booklets to people with glaucoma to aid understanding and will reply with general factual advice to members enquiries.

Macular Disease Society
PO Box 1870
Andover
Hampshire
SP10 9AD
Helpline: 0845 241 2041
Tel: 01264 350 551
Fax: 01264 350 558
E-mail: info@maculardisease.org
Website: www.maculardisease.org
Offers support to people who have Macular Disease run mainly for people with the disease.

Big Print (RNIB)
P.O Box 173
Peterborough
PE2 6WS
Freephone: 0303 123 9999
E-mail: shop@rnib.org.uk
Website: www.rnib.org.uk
This is the country's only National large print newspaper, the print being twice the size of an ordinary sized newspaper.
Available by subscription only.
A free sample is available on request.

SENSE
101 Pentonville Road
London
N1 9LG
Tel: 0845 127 0060
Minicom: 0845 127 0062
Fax: 0845 127 0061
E-mail: info@sense.org.uk
Website: www.sense.org.uk
A national voluntary organisation which campaigns for the needs of deafblind people.
Providing advice, support and information services.

The Sensory Team (DMBC)
Blind & Visually Impaired People
P.O. Box 251
Council House
College Road
Doncaster
DN1 3DA
Tel: 01302 737 701
Fax: 01302 736 937

Hotels with Facilities for Severely Sight Impaired and Sight Impaired People.

Vision Hotels
Central Office
14-16 Verney Road
London
SE16 3DZ
Tel: 0845 603 0051
Email: enquiries@visionhotels.co.uk
Website: www.visionhotels.co.uk

Vision Hotels run four AA 3 star hotels in locations of South Devon, West Sussex, Somerset and Lake Windermere.

DIAL Disclaimer
Whilst all the information given in this fact sheet was correct at the time of going to press,
DIAL Doncaster cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes.