Loss of Eyesight Claims

Eyesight is a crucial sense that allows us to see and interact with the world. Losing your sight is devastating, and it will likely have a massive impact on all aspects of your life, from work to daily chores and leisure activities.

Sight loss can sometimes be due to age-related deterioration and medical conditions that are nobody’s fault. However, it can also be caused by injury or trauma to the eye, such as from car accidents, assaults, machinery accidents, puncture wounds and chemical burns.

If you’ve suffered eyesight loss due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to claim compensation for your pain, suffering and any related financial losses.

If you feel you may have a valid loss of eyesight claim, call 0800 470 0474 today or use our contact form to request a call back. You will receive a free case assessment with an experienced legal adviser who will answer all your questions, with no obligation to proceed with a claim.

Find out if you can claim

Call 0800 470 0474 now or request a call back below:

Call me back

By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• Am I eligible to make a loss of eyesight claim?
• How do I claim loss of sight compensation?
• What evidence is needed to make a compensation claim?
• Who might be liable in a loss of sight compensation claim?
• What is loss of sight?
• Common causes of sight loss
• Are there any treatments for loss of sight?
• Am I entitled to benefits for my vision impairment?
• What accidents could lead to a loss of sight claim?
• Claims for sight loss due to medical negligence
• Can I claim for loss of vision against my employer?
• Can I claim compensation for loss of eyesight on behalf of a loved one?
• Is there a time limit to make a personal injury claim?
• How much compensation can I claim for loss of sight?
• Can I make my claim on a No Win No Fee basis?

Am I eligible to make a loss of eyesight claim?

If you have suffered an injury and loss of sight following an accident or medical negligence, you might be wondering whether you can make a compensation claim. In such cases, a simple consultation over the phone with an experienced solicitor is enough to find out if your case has merit.

Before taking on your claim, they will ask you a few questions about your situation to determine whether:

• Another party owed you a legal duty of care;
• They breached this duty through negligence or wrongdoing;
• Their actions or inactions caused you to suffer damage to your eyesight.

You do not have to worry about proving a duty of care, as your solicitor will have the expertise to do this based on legislation such as:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 establishes the duties employers have to keep employees safe from accidents and harm at work;
• The Road Traffic Act 1988 establishes a duty of care for road users to drive safely and follow the traffic laws to prevent harm to others;
• The Occupiers Liability Act 1957 outlines the responsibilities of premises occupiers, such as businesses and local authorities, to ensure the safety of all visitors to their property.

Once liability is established, your solicitor will guide you through all the other steps of the claims process, which are detailed in the section below.

How do I claim loss of sight compensation?

Every personal injury claim begins with a consultation with an experienced legal adviser. They will ask you some questions about your circumstances to verify the merits of your case and your chances of success.

During this conversation, you can also ask them any questions you may have about the claims process, such as how long your case may take and how much compensation you could receive.

If your case is accepted, you will be paired with a personal injury solicitor with expertise in eye injury and loss of sight claims. They will offer you a no win no fee service and guide you through all the other steps of the litigation process, which are:

• Gather evidence to support your case, such as CCTV footage, witness statements and medical records;
• Arrange a free medical assessment with a specialist to have your condition fully assessed and evaluate your future care needs;
• Carefully consider all the losses incurred as a result of your sight loss to calculate your compensation award;
• Send a letter of claim to the defendant to inform them of your accusations of negligence and your intentions to seek compensation for your losses;
• Wait for a response from the defendant, who has three months to investigate your allegations;
• Negotiate a settlement if the other side admits liability;
• Issue court proceedings and argue your case in court if the defendant denies liability or you cannot negotiate a settlement;
• Receive your compensation payment, typically within four weeks after your case is resolved.

What evidence is needed to make a compensation claim?

If you are entitled to compensation for loss of eyesight, you will need various types of evidence to support your claim. This should prove how your injury occurred, who was at fault and how it has affected your life, and could include:

• Detailed reports from your ophthalmologist confirming the diagnosis, the severity of sight loss, and its impact on your daily life;
• Records of treatments such as medication, surgery and rehabilitation;
• Expert testimony from an independent specialist who can provide a prognosis and your future care needs;
• A copy of an incident report, if you were injured in an accident at work or in a public place, which should contain details about what happened;
• Statements from anyone who witnessed the incident or the conditions leading to your sight loss;
• Photographs or videos of the accident scene highlighting any hazardous conditions that led to your injury before anything is moved or replaced;
• If available, a copy of any official investigation reports carried out by the responsible party or official organisations such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE);
• A detailed account from you of how the sight loss has affected your quality of life, including hobbies, social activities, and emotional well-being;
• A copy of a police report for cases that involve criminal assaults or road traffic accidents;
• You also need proof of financial losses and expenses incurred due to your vision loss, such as medical bills, loss of income and assistive devices.

Who might be liable in a loss of sight compensation claim?

Depending on your circumstances, various parties may be liable for a loss of sight compensation claim, including:

• An employer. Your employer may be liable if the vision loss has occurred due to inadequate safety measures at work, a lack of protective equipment or insufficient training.
• A driver. Another driver may be liable for compensation if you suffered an injury to the eye area that has resulted in impaired vision because they were driving recklessly or failed to obey traffic laws.
• A property owner or occupier. If you were injured in a public place such as a shop, café, restaurant or supermarket, the occupier of the premises may be liable if they have failed to ensure safe conditions or have proper warning signs in place.
• A medical professional. A GP, optometrist, surgeon or another doctor could be at fault for your loss of sight if they have failed to diagnose an eye condition, prescribed you harmful medication or committed a surgical error.
• A product manufacturer. Liability may lie with a product manufacturer or distributor if a faulty product, such as defective safety equipment or machinery, caused your injury.
• The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The CICA is a government-funded organisation that provides compensation for blameless victims of violent assaults, including for sight loss caused by eye injuries.
• The Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB). The MIB is an organisation funded by the insurance premiums paid by every driver in the UK, which compensates victims of unidentified or uninsured drivers.
• The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). The AFCS is a compensation scheme managed by Veterans UK that was established to provide financial support to military personnel injured during service, including for eyesight loss.
• The local authorities. Your local council or the highway authorities may be liable to pay you compensation if your sight loss occurred due to a poorly maintained road or public space.

Your solicitor will be able to determine the responsible party for your injury and will handle all communication and negotiations with them on your behalf.

What is loss of sight?

Eyesight is one of our five basic senses and, to most people, is considered the most essential one. It helps us perceive and interpret the environment through a complex process where light enters the eye, is focused on the retina, and is converted into electrical signals that the brain interprets as images.

Loss of sight refers to a partial or complete inability to see, which can occur suddenly or gradually and affect one or both eyes. It can present with varying symptoms, depending on its cause and severity, such as:

• Blurry vision – objects appearing unclear or out of focus
• Blind spots in the visual field
• Loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision) or central vision
• Night blindness – difficulty seeing in dim light or darkness
• Sensitivity to light – discomfort or pain caused by bright lights
• Double vision (diplopia) – seeing two images of a single object
• Black spots, patches or lines in your vision
• Black or grey specks that move across your field of vision
• Bright flashes of light
• Difficulty distinguishing colours or dull appearance of colours
• Distorted vision – straight lines that appear wavy or objects that seem smaller or larger than they are
• Sharp, aching, or burning pain in or around the eyes
• Total blindness in one or both eyes

If you experience one or more of the symptoms above, it’s important to visit an optician or other medical expert for an accurate assessment. They will use a variety of vision tests to diagnose your condition and give you the appropriate treatment to prevent or minimise further vision deterioration.

Common causes of sight loss

Sight loss can occur for various reasons, some of which include:

• Medical conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration;
• Blunt force trauma, such as injuries from falls or assaults that damage the retina, optic nerve or the brain;
• Chemical burns that cause permanent damage to the eye;
• Penetrating injuries, which can lead to immediate and severe loss of vision;
• Infections of the cornea and other regions of the eye caused by viruses and bacteria;
• Neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, brain tumours or stroke, which can affect brain regions involved in vision;
• Lifestyle and environmental factors, such as smoking and exposure to ultraviolet light;
• Side effects of certain drugs and toxins, such as steroids, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, lead and pesticides.

If you have lost your vision due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to claim compensation for all the losses incurred as a result.

Are there any treatments for loss of sight?

Treatment options for sight loss depend on the underlying cause, its severity and whether the condition is reversible. Some potential treatments and interventions include:

• Using glasses or contact lenses, which can correct vision impairments such as myopia and hypermetropia;
• Medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics to treat conditions like uveitis and eye infections;
• Injections with ranibizumab and other medication that reduce abnormal blood vessel growth can help treat diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration;
• Surgical treatments for conditions such as cataracts, retinal detachment, glaucoma and corneal diseases;
• Laser eye surgery for conditions such as retinal tears or glaucoma.

Unfortunately, some types of sight loss are not reversible or treatable and cause permanent blindness in one eye or both eyes. In such cases, psychological support and adaptive strategies such as braille training are essential to help patients deal with the emotional impact of sight loss and regain their independence.

Am I entitled to benefits for my vision impairment?

Yes. If you have suffered vision loss, you may be entitled to various state benefits, depending on the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to work and daily life. These include:

• Blind Person’s Allowance – available for those who are blind or severely sight impaired. It is a yearly tax-free payment of £3,070;
• Attendance Allowance – available for people who need help with personal care due to vision loss. It is a tax-free payment of £72.65 or £108.55 a week, depending on the level of disability;
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – it can help with extra living costs if your condition makes it difficult to carry out everyday tasks. The PIP is tax-free, and it is a weekly rate of £72.65 or £108.55, that is not affected by your income or savings;
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – it is available for children under 16, and it is made of a care component of £28.70, £72.65 or £108.55 per week and a mobility component of £28.70 or £75.75 per week;
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – available for those whose vision impairment affects their ability to work. It is a weekly payment of up to £90.50 or up to £138.20, depending on whether you’ll be able to work again in the future;
• Universal Credit—a monthly payment of £311.68 or £393.45 (depending on whether you are over or under 25), available to help with living costs for those who are unemployed due to a vision impairment.

Furthermore, if you are officially registered with your local council as blind or partially sighted, you can receive further benefits, such as help with transport, leisure activities, and home adaptations.

NOTE: The above benefits and amounts are correct at the time of writing. However, the availability and amounts are subject to change. So, it is important to follow the links provided above to get the latest information from the Government website.

What accidents could lead to a loss of sight claim?

Many different types of accidents can lead to loss of sight, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of the incident. Here are some common examples that could lead to a compensation claim:

• Workplace accidents. Your employer has a legal duty to keep you safe from work accidents, including the risk of sight loss. Eye injuries at work could be caused by direct contact with chemicals, flying debris and direct impact with sharp tools or machinery.
• Road traffic accidents. Head or face injuries from road traffic collisions can result in damage to the eyes, optic nerves or the brain regions involved in vision. These can affect drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicycle riders and other road users.
• Sports injuries. Blows to the face, common in contact sports like rugby, boxing or football, injuries from balls and other incidents during sporting activities can lead to severe eye trauma and vision loss. If negligence was involved, you may be eligible to claim compensation.
• Slips, trips and falls. Falling and hitting your face or head on a hard surface or sharp object can damage the eyes and cause sight loss. Despite being preventable through good housekeeping, these are some of the most common accidents in public places and at work.
• Medical negligence. Mistakes during eye surgery, misdiagnosis or medical conditions, poor treatment and other types of substandard medical care can lead to avoidable eye damage and loss of sight.
• Criminal assaults. Blunt force trauma to the eyes or head, acid attacks, puncture wounds and other injuries during physical altercations can cause vision impairment. As mentioned above, blameless victims of violent crimes can claim compensation through the CICA.
• Military injuries. Military personnel are often exposed to the risk of eye injuries from chemical exposure, shrapnel and trauma to the head or face.
• Defective products. Faulty safety equipment, defective cars or malfunctioning machinery can lead to eye injuries. In such cases, you could make a claim under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

Claims for sight loss due to medical negligence

Medical professionals, such as ophthalmologists, surgeons, and opticians, have a duty of care to provide a reasonable standard of care, as expected from a skilled and competent specialist.

They must follow the standards of practice established by the General Optical Council and other similar bodies and have the best interests of the patient in mind to avoid preventable harm. If this duty is breached and an injury occurs, you may be eligible to make a medical negligence claim.

Examples of clinical negligence that could lead to a loss of eyesight claim include:

• Delayed treatment of eye infections;
• Delayed diagnosis and treatment of conditions like glaucoma, retinal detachment or diabetic retinopathy;
• Failure to make a specialist referral for further testing;
• Mistakes during eye surgery, such as incorrect placement of lens or damage to the optic nerve;
• Administering the wrong treatment, wrong dosage or failure to recognise adverse reactions;
• Failing to provide adequate follow-up care or manage infections after an eye procedure;
• Negligence during childbirth, such as inadequate use of forceps leading to traumatic injuries that affect eyes and vision;
• Poor management of foreign bodies in the eyes;
• Use of defective surgical equipment;
• Failure to inform the patient about the risks and potential complications of eye surgery.

Can I claim for loss of vision against my employer?

While you are doing your job, your employer has a legal duty towards you to keep you safe from accidents and injuries, including from the risk of eye damage. Their responsibilities are stated by various legislation, such as:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

A breakdown of their duties includes:

• Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards to eye safety, such as flying debris, chemical splashes, or bright lights;
• Where possible, implement measures to eliminate or minimise risks;
• Supply appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face shields or goggles;
• Ensure the PPE meets safety standards and employees know how to use it correctly;
• Develop and enforce safety measures and protocols to reduce risks;
• Provide training to employees on how to carry out their jobs safely and protect themselves from eye injuries;
• Regularly inspect and maintain tools, equipment and machinery to ensure they are safe to use;
• Keep work areas clean and free of hazards that could lead to accidents and injuries.

If your employer has failed to comply with the legislation and take the necessary safety measures to keep you safe, they may be liable for compensation if you suffer vision loss. It is your legal right to make an accident at work claim, and you cannot be sacked or disciplined for it.

Can I claim compensation for loss of eyesight on behalf of a loved one?

Yes. You may be eligible to represent your loved one as their litigation friend if they suffered an eye injury due to someone else’s negligence. This includes:

• A child under 18 who cannot legally start a claim or hire a solicitor to represent them;
• An adult who is classified as a protected party under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, meaning they suffer from a condition that affects their intellectual abilities, such as PTSD, autism or Alzheimer’s disease.

To claim for your loved one, you must apply to the court with proof that you can make fair decisions about the case and there is no conflict of interest between you. Your solicitor will help you fill in and file all necessary documents.

Once appointed as their litigation friend, you will have several responsibilities, which include:

• Approve and sign legal documents
• Liaise with solicitors and take legal advice
• Try to find your loved one’s wishes about the case
• Help gather supporting evidence
• Pay any fees the court requests
• Consider settlement offers from the defendant
• Attend court hearings if necessary

If you make a successful claim, the compensation awarded must be approved by a judge based on the available evidence. Once approved, your solicitor can help you deposit the payment into a personal injury trust so that it does not affect your loved one’s eligibility for means-tested benefits.

Is there a time limit to make a personal injury claim?

The time limit to make a claim for compensation following eyesight damage is set by the Limitation Act 1980 and is typically three years, starting from:

• The date of the accident that led to your eye damage;
• The date your condition was diagnosed and linked to some type of negligence (which is known as the date of knowledge).

We strongly advise that you start your claim as soon as possible. This will ensure better access to evidence and help your solicitor build the strongest case on your behalf. Furthermore, if you do not start legal proceedings within the time limit, your claim will be statute-barred and no longer valid.

There are a few exceptions to the three-year time limit to start a claim:

• You can make a child injury claim anytime before your loved one turns 18. If you do not seek compensation on their behalf, they have until their 21st birthday to make a claim themselves.
• If the claimant is a protected party, the limitation date is put on hold until recovery or altogether suspended, depending on the circumstances.
• You have two years to claim for loss of sight through the CICA if your eye condition is due to a criminal assault.
• If you’ve lost your sight due to military service, you have seven years to claim the compensation you deserve through the AFCS.
• You may also be entitled to a claim if you were injured abroad, but the time limit may vary from country to country and may be much shorter than three years.

How much compensation can I claim for loss of sight?

The amount of compensation awarded for eye injuries or conditions that lead to loss of sight is calculated on a case-by-case basis. Your solicitor will consider various factors to determine your compensation amount, such as the severity of your condition and its impact on your life.

Personal injury settlements are made of two types of damages, known as general damages and special damages.

General damages are awarded for the type and severity of eyesight loss you have suffered. This will take into account factors such as:

• Physical pain and discomfort
• Emotional and mental anguish
• Loss of a unique career
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of amenities, such as the ability to engage in activities you used to enjoy

Special damages are awarded for the financial impact of the condition on your life, which could include:

• Medical treatments, such as prescriptions and surgery
• Loss of earnings and earning capacity
• Travel expenses to medical appointments
• Care and assistance with daily activities, even if provided by loved ones
• Medical aids such as eye prostheses and assistive technology
• Cost of psychological counselling
• Home adaptations to help you deal with your sight loss

Special damages are based on financial documents such as receipts and invoices and have a precise monetary value attached to them. On the other hand, general damages are based on historical cases and the guidelines from the Judicial College. According to our compensation calculator, you could receive:

• £11,120 to £25,600 for minor vision issues in one or both eyes
• £28,090 to £48,040 for some degree of vision loss in one eye
• £60,130 to £66,920 for the total loss of sight in one eye
• £66,920 to £80,210 for entirely losing one eye
• £78,040 to £129,330 for loss of vision in one eye and reduced vision in the remaining eye
• Around £327,940 for complete blindness in both eyes

Can I make my claim on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you are entitled to claim compensation for loss of sight, your personal injury lawyer will offer you a no win no fee agreement. This is the most popular way of funding a personal injury claim, as it requires no upfront payments, and there is no risk of financial loss.

With no win no fee, you only pay your solicitor if and after you receive compensation. In this case, they will get a success fee deducted from your award for general damages and past financial losses. This can be no more than 25% of your compensation. If you lose, you do not have to pay your solicitor a single penny.

To learn more about making a loss of sight claim on a no win no fee basis, call 0800 470 0474  today or request a call back for a free case assessment.

Last edited on 15th Jul 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.