Blind or partially sighted (Category A)
Latest
- £2 Bus fares until end of 2024 and lower fares on East Sussex bus services
- See our renewal information for bus passes which expire March 2024:
The bus pass allows free off-peak travel on local buses throughout England for applicants with an eligible disability.
Qualifying as blind or partially sighted
A person is eligible for a concessionary bus pass if they are blind (severely sight impaired) or partially sighted (sight impaired).
A person can be registered as blind, or severely sight impaired, if they cannot see (with glasses, if worn) the top letter of the eye test chart (used by doctors and opticians) at a distance of 3 metres or less. Some people who can read the top letter of an eye test chart at 3 metres, but not at 6 metres, may still be eligible for registration as blind if their field of vision is also severely restricted.
A person can be registered as partially sighted, or sight impaired, if they have a full field of vision but can only read the top letter of the eye test chart at a distance of 6 metres or less (with glasses, if worn). However, if they can read the next three lines down at the same distance, but the field of vision is either moderately or severely restricted, they may still qualify for registration.
You will be eligible if
- you are registered, or entitled to be registered, as blind or severely sight impaired, or
- you are registered, or entitled to be registered, as partially sighted or sight impaired.
You will not be eligible if
- you are not entitled to be registered
Please note you may still qualify if your vision is so impaired that you would be refused a driving licence. Request the information sheet for ‘Category g’ for more details.
Proving that you are eligible
You can do this by providing a copy of one of the following:
- A current East Sussex Blue Badge which is valid for at least 6 months. The bus pass will only be valid for the term of the Blue Badge.
- A certificate of visual impairment (CVI) which confirms you are severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted).
- A signed letter or form from a consultant ophthalmologist, that you qualify to be registered as severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted).
If you cannot provide the above you may ask another medical professional to complete an evidence form. If you use the NHS please note they are not obliged to provide this service and you may be charged for their time. We do not deal directly with any NHS staff and we cannot contact them on your behalf.
Guidance and evidence form download
Blind or partially sighted guidance and evidence form (Category A) [259.6 KB] [pdf]