The register

The register is a record maintained by local authorities in England and Wales and some authorities in Scotland and Northern Ireland of all blind people who live in their area.

You do not have to be totally blind or severely sight impaired to be included on the register but you must meet the requirements for England and Wales or Scotland and Northern Ireland.

You are not automatically included on the register – you need to register as blind or severely sight impaired with your local authority first. Being on the register means you can claim certain benefits and concessions, and claim blind person’s allowance.

Some local authorities also keep a list of partially sighted or sight impaired people. You do not qualify for blind person’s allowance if you are included on this register.