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Who can use NCBI’s services?

Summary: Our services are available to anyone in Ireland who is experiencing difficulty with their eyesight.

Sight loss affects people in different ways

NCBI provides a wide range of services to people who are blind or vision impaired in Ireland. Currently, 5% of those who access these services are blind, while 95% have some useful vision.

How to avail of our services

If sight loss is getting you down or is making everyday tasks difficult to carry out, NCBI may be able to help you to adapt and to maintain your independence.

Your eye specialist might make a referral to NCBI on your behalf or you can contact us directly.

Community resource workers are located in all areas and are generally the key NCBI contact for a person with low vision.

Availing of Government Benefits and Entitlements

While anyone experiencing serious sight loss can avail of NCBI services, your vision needs to be below a certain level to claim government benefits and entitlements. Confirmation of your level of vision requires an eye test from an eye specialist or optometrist. Find out more about how to confirm you level of vision.