Concessions

Blue Badge Parking Permit

A blue badge enables the person driving you to park in designated disabled parking bays and on some yellow lines (some exceptions apply). You do not have to be a driver or a car owner to apply for a blue badge but you do have to be travelling in the car when it is used.

If you are registered as severely sight impaired you automatically qualify for a blue badge. If you are registered as sight impaired but have other health conditions, Cornwall Council will need to assess your application. You can contact Cornwall Council on 0300 1234 121 or for a small fee, we can help you with the application process. If your application is successful there is a £10 charge for the blue badge made payable to Cornwall Council.

Alternatively you can apply directly online: Blue badge application

Free bus pass

If you live in Cornwall and are blind or partially sighted you will be eligible to apply for a free bus pass. You will need to provide proof of your registration with the council or alternatively you can provide a letter from your doctor or optician. You will also need proof of address and a passport style photograph.

Your bus pass allows you to travel free of charge at any time on the majority of services within Cornwall but Truro Park and Ride is excluded from the scheme. You can also use your bus pass to travel on bus services outside of Cornwall between 9:30am and 11:00pm Monday to Friday, and at anytime on weekends.

You can start using your concessionary bus pass as soon as you receive it. Just hold it against the ticket reader on the ticket machine, which is located next to the driver.

To find out more contact Cornwall Council on 0300 1234 222 or email concessionaryfares@cornwall.gov.uk.

Apply online: Concessionary bus pass

Disabled Person’s Railcard

If you’re registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired you’re entitled to a Disabled Person’s Railcard which enables you and the person that you’re travelling with to get a third off ticket prices. The railcard costs approximately £20 per year. For more information call 0345 605 0525.

Apply online: Disabled Person’s Railcard

Tamar Crossings Mobility Scheme

Tamar Crossings provide an annual allowance of 100 free crossings for people with disabilities if they pre-register and are in receipt of at least one of the following benefits:

• Disability Living Allowance with mobility component at higher level
• PIP benefits with enhanced mobility component
• War Pension with mobility supplement
• Registered with sight loss

For more information call 01752 812233. There is a £5 administration fee to apply.

Apply online: Tamar Crossings Mobility Scheme

TV Licence blind concession

If you or someone you live with is registered as severely sight impaired (blind) you’re eligible for a 50% concession on your TV licence. It does not apply if you are registered as sight impaired (partially sighted). You can apply online or, for a small fee, we can help you with the application process.

Apply online: TV licence blind concession

Leisure Concessions

Some sport venues, theatres, cinemas or theme parks offer concessions to people accompanying a person with sight loss.

Both of Cornwall’s local cinema groups, WTW Cinemas and Merlin Cinemas, plus The Poly in Falmouth accept the CEA Card which is a national scheme run by the Cinema Exhibitors Association (CEA). The card enables a disabled cinema guest to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them (some restrictions may apply on private screenings).

Many theatres in Cornwall, including The Hall for Cornwall, The Poly, Princess Pavilion and the Minack Theatre, offer free companion tickets for customers who require assistance to attend a performance. The Hall for Cornwall and the Minack Theatre also offer audio description on selected performances. Contact the relevant Box Office for more information.

NHS Eye Tests

If you’re registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired, you’re entitled to regular NHS eye examinations free of charge.

It’s important to have regular eye tests, even with sight loss, as they provide a vital health check which can detect the early signs of further conditions before any symptoms may become apparent. You should have your eyes checked at least every two years although your optometrist may recommend you visit more regularly.

You may also be entitled to a home eye test. Whilst your eye test will be free, some opticians may charge a home visiting fee. The following opticians offer home eye tests in Cornwall:

Mann and Francis Mobile Opticians

The Outside Clinic

Vision Home Services

Atlantic Home Eyecare (north Cornwall only)

P Storey Home Visiting Opticians (West Cornwall only)