Blind TV License concession

Access to a blind concession TV licence has been improved for those with severe sight impairment in Northern Ireland following an agreement between the Royal National Institute of Blind People, TV Licensing and the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB).

Evidence from a hospital consultant ophthalmologist, necessitating a hospital visit, was previously required to obtain the concession, but a letter from a community optometrist certifying eligibility would now suffice.

‘In a time of enormous pressure on our health and social care system, this community-based approach represents a practical, creative and responsive solution to assisting blind people,’ said Gillian Clifford, interim policy and campaigns manager at RNIB.