Visual impairment

Visual impairment can be congenital, can develop, for example as a result of old age, or result from, for example, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.

Note: Although disablement must be caused by a physical or mental health condition, it is the needs and difficulties that result which will determine entitlement rather than the condition itself. As a result, whilst the case law below may be of assistance, it will be important to also look at the case law relating to the activities and issues that affect you too.

Case law

Commentary:​ Whilst we don't yet have any commentary in relation to the case law items below, we'd love to hear from you if you'd like to contribute. Send us a suggestion and we’d be happy to incorporate it here. | Add commentary or suggest an edit.

• Tribunal failed to give claimant opportunity to comment on website material it relied on to assess her disablement, and reached ‘perverse’ conclusion that she could carry out PIP activities ‘safely’
  • [2024] UKUT 173 (AAC)
  • UA-2024-000182-PIP
  • NH v Secretary of Work and Pensions
  • Evidence
  • Reliably
  • Visual impairment

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• Factors to consider when assessing visual impairment and ability to complete activity ‘safely’ in relation to PIP mobility activity 1 (planning and following a journey)
  • [2017] UKUT 456 (AAC)
  • CPIP/1998/2017
  • KS v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (PIP)
  • Planning and following journeys
  • Visual impairment

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• Ability to understand body language and other visual cues is relevant when assessing whether a claimant with severe visual impairment can engage socially
  • [2017] UKUT 244 (AAC)
  • CPIP/3707/2016
  • DV v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (CPIP)
  • Engaging with other people face to face
  • Visual impairment

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• Claimant can satisfy PIP descriptors if they only apply for part of the day
  • [2015] UKUT 626 (AAC)
  • Reported as [2016] AACR 23
  • CPIP/2054/2015
  • TR v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
  • Fluctuating conditions
  • Visual impairment

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• Claimant with visual impairment and light sensitivity entitled to enhanced rate of PIP mobility component / Whether an eye patch is an orientation aid
  • [2015] UKUT 240 (AAC)
  • UK/5567/2014
  • Secretary of State for Work and Pensions v SS (PIP)
  • Planning and following journeys
  • Visual impairment

  Read the rightsnet summary