UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

hi there,

sorry i don't contribute much to the forum.

i have a question though, can i get benefit for KC?

today i'm off work as i can't tollerate lenses. also, i only work part time, largely due to my eye sight.

it's not possible for me to work without my lenses in, i have to see paper work as well as use a computer. i also have to look for medical records, and there is no way they could change all million of them with massive numbers and writing on them!


thanks,


tim

Hi Tim,

I am unsure regarding benefits, but KC roup Contact, Anne may be able to help here.

Regarding work, if you are employed, even part time I think you are coverd by the Access to Work Scheme (Links Page)

Another good point of call is the Disabilities Officer at your local job centre. You will probable have to explain KC and the problems that some of us have, but if you print this information KC Fact Sheets, it might make things easier.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Gareth

hi,

thanks for the reply.

i feel really depressed about all this. i do want to work.

i'll go to the benefits office and ask them.


tim

Tim,

Be assure you are not the first and will not be the last tio feel that way.

Good luck, let us know how you get on and feel free to ask more questions and we will see what other ideas we can come up with.

You can self certify for 1 week, so you can if needs be rest your eyes for a couple of days and then a few days before returning see how you get on with lenses. If you are still having probelms see your optom for further advice and your GP if you need more time off.

We all feel guilty when we can not work, but sometimes we need to put ourselves and our health first.

Tim

If you get registered as blind or partially sighted, then you can get benefits (disability Living Allowance). I think that it may not be necessary to be registered, however to benefit from some other advantages.

Your jobcentre will have an access to work team. They can co-operate with your enmplyer to make sure that your workplace is adapted to meet your needs. You can probably find out about access to work on the internet.

Next time yous see your ophthalmolgist you could ask her or him for information or a referral to your hospital's sensory impairment worker.

All the best

Andrew

One thing people can use their Access to Work funding for is employ a PA to help with vision-critical tass.
You can also get desktop CCTV machines to enlarge paperwork onto a screen.
Some will even scan the papers and (try to) read them out.
Good luck.
Rosemary