The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.P.210 Permanent blindness (DSP, Age)

Definition

When determining permanent blindness for the purposes of DSP or Age, the following guidelines are applied:

corrected visual acuity (1.1.V.50) on the Snellen Scale must be less than 6/60 in both eyes
constriction to within 10 degrees or less of arc of central 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.

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

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.6.1 DSP - qualification & payability, 3.6.2.40 Assessment of blindness for DSP

Last reviewed: 15 August 2022

The Australian Government acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, water, culture and community. We pay our respects to the Elders both past and present.