ESA and visual impairment reading print question

Hi
I have a visual impairment and while I can read using a magnifier this isn’t sustainable in a repeatable manner as over time I experience blurred and double vision, However, I note in the WCA handbook that they test the ability to read print (in the form of one sentence) if II’m seen to be reading size 16 I will score 0 points. What do I do about this ? I can’t believe they assess someone as reading 16 font as one sentence,

KPPurple wrote: Hi
I have a visual impairment and while I can read using a magnifier this isn’t sustainable in a repeatable manner as over time I experience blurred and double vision, However, I note in the WCA handbook that they test the ability to read print (in the form of one sentence) if II’m seen to be reading size 16 I will score 0 points. What do I do about this ? I can’t believe they assess someone as reading 16 font as one sentence,

Hi KPPurple

I am visually impaired myself and am in the support group, Following my last ESA 'medical' I was told that I would not have to have any more re-assessments because, quoting from the ESA85 medical report form drawn up by the nurse, "A severe functional impairment in relation to understanding communication is likely. The medical evidence suggest that due to the Visual problem - [eye disorder named] - the clients conditions unlikely to improve and is consistent with a sever condition as defined."

Your first sentence is well worth repeating:

"I have a visual impairment and while I can read using a magnifier this isn’t sustainable in a repeatable manner as over time I experience blurred and double vision,"

You have said that you can read with a magnifier BUT even then cannot do this in a repeatable manner as over time you experience visual problems.

The following quote is from page 32 of the ESA guide on this site:

"How to show you score points even if you can actually do an activity
It’s very important that, before you complete your questionnaire, you understand that just because you can carry out an activity that doesn’t mean you are prevented from scoring points for being unable to do it.
For example, in relation to physical health conditions, if you can perform an activity, but it causes you problems such as:
• severe discomfort,
• pain,
• breathlessness,
• extreme fatigue.
or if you could do it once but couldn’t repeat it within a ‘reasonable’ space of time or with reasonable regularity or safely then that may count as being unable to do it."

That would seem to me to indicate that in benefit terms you are NOT in fact able to do the activity you mentioned! Additionally you mentioned that even when using a magnifier you struggle to read. Whenever I have had my eyesight 'tested' at either an ESA or PIP medical, ie by looking at the sort of charts you would do in an opticians, this is ONLY done with me wearing glasses and not using any low vision aids. You should of course mention on the ESA application form that you need to use a magnifier to read. Would you be able to read the 16 point print you mention WITHOUT using the magnifier you mentioned? I certainly can't and the nurse said on the ESA85 "He was unable to read 16 point print." As mentioned this was measured with me wearing glasses (I have 3 pairs) but NOT using any of my visual aids. I took the aids to the medical as in fact I do everywhere. I put a lot more information about my visual impairment on my ESA assessment form than that shown here and this was also mentioned on the nurse;s medical report. Additionally I enclosed a copy of my visually impaired registration card and a letter from an ophthalmologist confirming diagnosis etc, if you have any supporting evidence like this you should also send copies with any application form.

In conclusion I can do no better that give you a link to an RNIB page about ESA, on that you will find a link to a factsheet that goes into greater detail about ESA and the criteria etc, please click www.rnib.org.uk/information-everyday-liv...g-age/employment-and

You can also ring them up on their helpline if you require any further information. I do hope the above helps and the best of luck with any benefit claim you may make.

Kind regards

Mr B