3.6.2.40 Assessment of Blindness for DSP

Summary

A person who is assessed as being permanently blind (1.1.P.210) is automatically qualified for DSP under section 95 of the SSAct. People who qualify under section 95 of the SSAct do not have to demonstrate a CITW (1.1.C.330).

Act reference: SSAct section 95(1) Qualification for DSP-permanent blindness

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.6.1.10 Qualification for DSP - 30 Hour Rule, 3.6.1.12 Qualification for DSP - 15 Hour Rule, 3.6.2.20 Manifest Grants & Rejections for DSP

Meeting the qualification criteria of section 95

To be permanently blind for the purposes of section 95 of the SSAct, a person must have:

• visual acuity (1.1.V.50) on the Snellen Scale after correction by suitable lenses of less than 6/60 in both eyes, OR
• constriction to within 10 degrees of fixation in the better eye irrespective of corrected visual acuity, OR
• a combination of visual defects resulting in the same degree of visual impairment as that occurring in the above points.

Assessment procedures

A person whose medical evidence clearly indicates that they have NO vision is accepted as being manifestly qualified for DSP.

Example: A person who has been totally blind since birth or has lost eyes due to cancer or an accident.

A claimant whose supporting report (SA013) completed by their treating ophthalmologist confirms that they meet the criteria for permanent blindness is accepted as being manifestly qualified for DSP.

A claimant whose supporting report (SA013) completed by an optometrist confirms that they meet the criteria for permanent blindness is accepted as being manifestly qualified for DSP also, PROVIDED the optometrist's report:

• provides details of the treating or formerly treating ophthalmologist, and
• clearly states that it is supported by a report from the latter.

If a claimant qualifies because they are permanently blind, they do NOT need to be considered against the CITW qualification criteria.

Note: DSP (permanently blind) recipients are paid DSP free of the income and assets test but are affected by the compensation provisions of the SSAct.

Act reference: SSAct section 17 Compensation recovery definitions, section 1065 Rate of age and DSP (blind people), Part 3.14 Compensation recovery

Policy reference: SS Guide 4.13 Compensation

People who have visual impairments who are not permanently blind

A person who has a visual impairment, but does not meet the guidelines for permanent blindness may still qualify for DSP under the general qualification criteria of section 94. A variety of medical conditions can cause functional impairment (1.1.F.270) to sight, and may attract an impairment rating of at least 20 points and a CITW by themselves or in conjunction with other medical conditions. The following table indicates which impairment table rates the conditions:

Act reference: SSAct schedule 1B Table 13 Visual acuity in the better eye, schedule 1B Table 14 Miscellaneous eye conditions, schedule 1B Table 15 Visual fields

Medical evidence required

People claiming DSP (blind) or DSP because of visual impairments need to provide a report from their treating ophthalmologist or optometrist, where the optometrist's report clearly state that it is supported by a report from the treating ophthalmologist and provides details about the latter.

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.6.2.10 Medical Evidence for DSP

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Last reviewed: 7 September 2009