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Last updated 11th November 2025. A loss of sight claim allows you to seek compensation if your partial or total vision loss directly resulted from the negligent actions or inactions of a third party. We understand that sight loss can have a profound impact on day-to-day life and lead to considerable financial strain. However, taking your first steps towards making a claim could provide financial relief and fund the care you need over the long term.
Important Points About Loss Of Sight Claims
- Loss of sight is a debilitating injury that can seriously affect quality of life and daily routine.
- According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People, around 2 million people in the UK have some degree of sight loss.
- Many people who experience a loss of sight also develop mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
- A loss of sight may require home adaptations, assistive aids, and long-term care to support independence, the cost of which could be claimed for.
- Our solicitors have supported clients navigating the loss of sight claims process by handling paperwork, helping gather evidence, and communicating with other parties.
While making a loss of sight claim cannot change what happened to you or your loved one, compensation can help you rebuild your life. Contact our advisors today to find out how to claim and to see whether you can connect with one of our specialist No Win No Fee solicitors:
- Call on 0161 509 2856
- Contact us using our online form.
- Ask advisors a question through the support window at the bottom right.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Who Can Make A Loss Of Sight Claim?
- Example Of A Successful Loss Of Sight Claim
- How Much Compensation Could Be Awarded For Sight Loss?
- How Else Can Loss Of Sight Compensation Claims Help?
- The Common Accidents In Loss Of Sight Claims
- Sight Loss As A Result Of Medical Negligence
- Loss Of Sight Criminal Injury Claims
- How Long Is The Time Limit To Claim For Sight Loss?
- How To Prove Loss Of Sight Was A Result Of Negligence
- No Win No Fee Sight Loss Claims
- FAQs On Loss Of Sight Claims
- More Useful Information
Who Can Make A Loss Of Sight Claim?
Understanding who can make a loss of sight claim for compensation depends on meeting three basic eligibility criteria:
- Was a duty of care in place at the moment of injury?
- Did those responsible breach this duty of care?
- Did this cause or contribute to the sight loss? (or other harm).
These three criteria taken together are used as a way to understand ‘negligence’. Duty of care is a legal framework that puts an obligation on others (either individuals or organisations) to reasonably protect your safety.
We explain how this applies in certain areas in more detail below. Suffice to say, when all three criteria are in place, the injured person could have grounds to move forward with their loss of sight compensation claim.
Can A Claim Be Made If You’re Not Legally Blind?
Yes. If the accident meets the eligibility criteria we looked at above, a compensation claim can still stand if the person is not classed as ‘legally blind’.
Can A Claim Be Made If The Sight Will Recover?
A claim can still be made if the person recovers their sight. The basis of the claim must meet the eligibility criteria again. Compensation can be calculated to reflect variables such as the length of injury and the duration of recovery. A short or long-term eye problem that heals completely can nonetheless be awarded compensation if negligence occurred.
Can You Make A Loss Of Sight Claim On Behalf Of A Loved One?
You can indeed claim on behalf of a loved one. If they are a minor or a person without sufficient mental capacity to manage their affairs, a litigation friend can be appointed. Often, this is a family member.
As long as there is no conflict of issues, the litigation friend can be designated to make decisions on the claimant’s behalf, negotiate settlements and attend court if the claim needs to go that far. If you need to know more about becoming a litigation friend and making a loss of sight claim for a loved one, call our advisors now.
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Case Study Example Of A Successful Loss Of Sight Claim
In our case study example* of a successful loss of sight claim, warehouse employee Geoff received £110,000 in compensation after a chemical splash caused permanent vision loss in 1 eye. He subsequently connected with a specialist solicitor, who helped prove that Geoff’s employer had failed to provide the correct eye protection and had ignored previous safety warnings highlighted in a company risk assessment.
The solicitor gathered medical records, safety inspection records, and witness statements to prove that employer negligence occurred. Geoff’s employer admitted liability for his loss of sight and settled out of court for £110,000. This covered his pain and suffering and loss of earnings, as well as the cost of occupational therapy and home adaptations.
To find out whether one of our specialist solicitors can help you in a similar way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today.
How Much Compensation Could Be Awarded For Sight Loss?
The compensation awarded for a loss of sight claim can be made up from two areas, called general and special damages. General damages put a value on the physical pain, the psychological injury and the overall damage to quality of life. Special damages evaluate the financial harm caused by the loss of sight.
The Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) is a document often used to arrive at a general damages figure. This publication provides compensation guidelines for a wide cross-section of injuries. In the bullet point list below, we have included some entries related to sight loss.
Claim amounts will always vary according to circumstance, and these brackets are purely guidelines. Also, the first bullet point amount is not taken from the Judicial College source:
Compensation Guidelines
- A group of severe injuries with special damages – Severe cases where the person suffers multiple harm and is awarded an amount for lost income, care costs and rehabilitation expenses – Up to £1 million plus.
- Eyes – (b) Complete blindness – Cases where sight loss is total and permanent – In the area of £327,940.
- (c) Sight loss affecting one eye with vision reduction in the remaining one and where a substantial possibility of serious deterioration in the remaining eye exists – (i) £117,150 going up to £219,400.
- (c) Vision reduction in remaining eye and other potential issues (such as double vision) – (ii) – £78,040 going up to £129,330.
- (d) Total loss of one eye, and where the award is determined by age, psychological and cosmetic considerations – £66,920 going up to £80,210.
- (e) Complete loss of sight in one eye, as well as what level of sympathetic eye issues might impact the other, also where scarring may be present – £60,130 going up to £66,920.
- (f) Serious – Cases of serious (but not complete) vision loss in one eye, but not a significant level of sight loss detected in the remaining eye – £28,900 going up to £48,040
- (g) Permanent but minor vision issues in one or both eyes, along with symptoms of light sensitivity and double vision – £11,120 going up to £25,600.
- h) Minor – Initially painful injuries and visual disturbances to the eye that include being struck by an object, or after contact with liquids. Also covers eye damage from smoke and fumes. – £4,820 going up to £10,660.
As stated, these amounts are purely guideline figures. Get in touch with our advisors for a more personalised assessment of the injured party’s loss of sight claim.
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How Else Can Loss Of Sight Compensation Claims Help?
Loss of sight compensation claims can also help with the financial burdens of injury. After suffering sight loss, the injured party could face a wide range of disruptions and expenses. If they have documented evidence of the cost of these issues, they can be included in the claim under special damages. For example:
Loss Of Current And Future Earnings
Being unable to work after sight loss is a common issue. Depending on the seriousness of the sight loss, the person may be off work for months or unable to go back to their chosen profession at all. Loss of earnings can be claimed using wage slips and bank statements to prove it. Also, the predicted loss of future earnings can be taken into account.
Cost Of Medical Treatments
Ongoing medical treatments may not be accessible for free via the NHS. This additional cost can be included as part of the compensation, so keep all invoices from any private medical providers and specialists.
Care And Rehabilitation Costs
Likewise, a loss of sight claim can include rehabilitation costs. A great deal of support may be needed to readjust after the eye injury. This can involve constant care from professionals, family or friends. They can be reimbursed for the cost of their time. Also, you might need to see counsellors and occupational therapists to help you cope after the damage to your vision.
Adaptation To Home
Changes may be needed to help you continue living in your home after sight loss. The cost of alterations like grab rails or tactile markers on cupboards and doors could be claimed back. Improved lighting, the removal of tripping hazards and the installation of technological devices are other changes you could be reimbursed for. Keep all the receipts relating to these adaptations.
Travel Expenses
The injured party may need to travel to eye appointments regularly. The bus or taxi fares for this can be claimed back if they have the tickets.
Can Interim Payments Be Applied For In A Sight Loss Claim?
Yes, the claimant can apply for interim payments in a loss of sight claim.
Interim payments are small portions of the compensation amount that can be paid before the claim is officially settled. They are intended to help the claimant deal with the immediate costs and expenses that can arise, such as medical care and support with household bills.
Each interim payment is considered individually. The amounts must be proportionate and for an intended purpose. They must not exceed the total compensation and are deducted from the total once the payout has been made.
Given how serious complete sight loss is, monetary impacts could be significant. Our solicitors can calculate these amounts accurately and take into account potential future costs as well. It’s well worth taking a moment to see how an expert would calculate general and special damages in your loss of sight claim. Call now to get started.
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The Common Accidents In Loss Of Sight Claims
We now explore some common accidents in areas where a duty of care applies and a claim could be made:
Accident At Work
Employers owe their staff a duty of care while doing their jobs. This is enshrined in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAWA). Employers are expected to take proportionate and practicable steps to prevent employees from encountering harm while doing their jobs.
Example – An employee was provided with safety goggles that were the wrong size and ill-suited for the planned job. As a result, the worker was struck by falling debris and suffered a severe blunt force impact, causing permanent damage to both his eyes.
Public Place Accident
Those in charge of places accessible to the general public must carry out steps to ensure the (reasonable) safety of the public while using that area. The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 states this duty of care. Any breach that results in causing someone suffering eye damage can be grounds for a public liability loss of sight claim.
Example – The operator of an activity centre failed to check that paintball guns were adequately serviced and inspected for safety. A gun malfunctioned and shot paint into the eye of a child, causing them injury and significant (but not permanent) harm.
Road Traffic Accident
All road users are expected to operate their vehicles and travel the roads in a way that poses the least risk of harm or damage to either themselves or other drivers. They can effectively comply with this duty of care by following the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code.
Example – Whilst driving over the legal speed limit, a driver collided head-on with another motorist. In the serious crash, shattered windscreen glass cut the eyes of the other motorist. This road traffic accident left them permanently blinded in both eyes.
Sight Loss As A Result Of Medical Negligence
Sight loss can also occur as a result of medical negligence. All registered providers of healthcare (NHS or private) are required to meet the professional standards it is reasonable to expect from any other competent practitioner when treating patients. If it is determined that they didn’t meet this standard and either avoidable or unnecessary harm was caused, this can be deemed as medical negligence.
Example – An eye surgeon performed a cataract procedure incorrectly, which left the patient with permanently impaired vision in both eyes.
An advisor can discuss claims for medical negligence compensation and assess whether you or your loved one can move ahead with one of our expert solicitors.
Loss Of Sight Criminal Injury Claims
If the sight loss was the result of an assault, the claim might be made differently. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) was established to provide compensation to victims of violent crime in England, Scotland, and Wales when all other avenues for making a claim have been exhausted.
To pursue criminal injury compensation via the CICA, the incident has to be reported to the police. Additionally, CICA claims generally must be within a time limit of 2 years of the incident (there must be a good reason for claiming outside of this window). It is not necessary for there to be a suspect or a conviction to make a claim.
The CICA awards compensation based on their own tariff amounts found in The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012, and you can see some examples of payouts in the table below. The injured party might also qualify to claim for any loss of earnings as well as the expense of medical aids and support as you recover.
Example – An unknown person in the street attacked someone on their way home from work. This caused them a permanently detached retina in one eye after being punched in the face.
The CICA Compensation Scheme
The following table lists entries belonging to the CICA’s scheme. Please note that the top entry is the maximum amount which can be paid out by the CICA.
| AREA OF HARM | SEVERITY | CICA TARIFF AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple types of harm and amount for lost income and special expenses | Severe | Up to £500,000 |
| Eyes | Loss of both eyes | £110,000 |
| Loss of sight in one eye but the injured eyes was already totally blind | £82,000 | |
| Partial vision loss that is substantial, affecting both eyes to a 6/36 degree in each eye or worse | £55,000 | |
| Serious, permanent loss of visual field | £44,000 | |
| Loss of eyes - one eye | £27,000 | |
| Loss of sight in one eye | £22,000 | |
| Permanent and inoperable cataracts in both eyes | £19,000 | |
| Lens dislocation to both eyes | £13,500 | |
| Serious blurred or double vision that will be permanent | £13,500 |
You don’t have to face a CICA or other type of claim alone. Whatever the exact circumstances of the loss of sight claim, our solicitors could help navigate the process.
What Are The Common Types Of Eye Injuries?
Next, we look at some of the more common eye injuries:
- Scratches and abrasions to the surface of the eye or retina (corneal abrasions).
- Bruises or ‘black eyes‘ cause swelling of the eye socket and discolouration of the surrounding skin.
- Foreign bodies (like grit) that penetrate, cut or infect the eye.
- Subconjunctival haemorrhages that leave redness in the white of the eye (the sclera) after trauma.
- Deeper lacerations and an impact that causes a punctured eyeball.
- Detached retinas – usually after blunt force contact.
- Chemical burns after the eye is splashed or sprayed by liquids, or from contact with smoke or fumes.
- Penetrating injuries with a sharp object that cause serious damage or loss of eyesight.
- Hyphema – A condition that causes bleeding behind the eye after trauma.
- Photokeratitis – Eye damage from exposure to UV rays.
You might experience a combination of these injuries, or other injuries alongside loss of sight. Speak to an advisor today for a free estimate of how much your or your loved one’s loss of sight claim could be worth.
How Long Is The Time Limit To Claim For Sight Loss?
There is a 3-year time limit that applies to starting personal injury claims. This is laid out in the Limitation Act 1980 and typically starts from the date of the accident. However, in medical negligence cases, the time limit may start from the date of knowledge (this is the date that the injured party connected the loss of sight to the actions or inactions of a medical professional, or would have been reasonably expected to do).
However, time limits can also differ for two categories of claimant:
- For claimants under the age of 18, the limitation period doesn’t activate until they turn 18 because minors cannot manage their own case. This allows them to claim up until age 21.
- A time limit freeze applies to claimants who lack the required mental capacity to manage the case. The limitation period instead would start from any date that their mental capacity might be restored.
As we mentioned above, a litigation friend is often allocated by the courts to handle claims on behalf of these groups while their pause/freeze is in effect. If you would like free guidance on litigation friends, and personal injury claim time limits, call, email, or ask a live chat question below.
How To Prove Loss Of Sight Was A Result Of Negligence
One of the ways that you can help prove negligent actions by others caused sight loss is to gather evidence. This may be reasonably straightforward to help a loved one do. For example, the following can help support a loss of sight claim:
- Copies of medical records that detail the diagnosis, treatment and future prognosis.
- Any correspondence from the third party responsible for the incident, such as written complaints made about an unsafe working environment.
- Witness contact information from anyone who saw what happened and is willing to give a statement later on.
- CCTV or dashcam footage.
- Photos of the injury and the cause.
- A police crime number.
- Copies from any workplace accident book.
- Insurance details and contact information from the other driver if the loss of sight occurred in a road traffic accident.
If a solicitor from Advice takes the claim up, collecting strong evidence is just one of the key services they provide. Rather than worry about facing this alone, speak to an advisor first about making a loss of sight claim.
No Win No Fee Sight Loss Claims
If your claim qualifies for help from our solicitors, they can provide their services through a type of No Win No Fee contract. They use a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) because this funding option has so many benefits for the person seeking compensation. For example, under a CFA:
- You’re not expected to pay upfront solicitor’s fees.
- No solicitor’s fees apply as work on the claim goes forward.
- If the claim fails, no solicitor’s fees apply for finished work on the claim.
- Successful claims require a success fee to be paid to your solicitor. This is a percentage of the compensation, but a law called the Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013 sets a limit on this percentage.
- Because of this legal limit, the person claiming can benefit from first-class legal representation throughout the whole claim and keep almost all of the compensation if they win.
With benefits like these, it makes sense to see if our solicitors could help.
Contact Advice’s Team
Start by speaking to one of our advisors. They can assess the strength of the eye injury claim in an informal, no-obligation chat right now.
- Call on 0161 509 2856
- Contact us to put forward a claim or make an enquiry.
- Ask advisors a question through the support window at the bottom right.
FAQs On Loss Of Sight Claims
Below are some FAQs people often have about loss of sight claims:
How Much Compensation For Loss Of Sight Can I Claim?
For a case of total blindness, how much compensation for loss of sight you can claim may be in the region of £327,940. Chatting with one of our advisors can provide a personalised assessment of your case.
What Are The Stages Of Sight Loss?
Depending on the injury or medical condition, the physical stages of sight loss can be gradual or sudden, moving from mild vision impairment to partial blindness or total loss.
What Happens If You Lose Your Eyesight?
If you lose your eyesight due to negligent actions from a third party, you may be able to seek compensation for any associated financial losses you’ve suffered, such as lost income, rehabilitative care, and home adaptations.
How Much Compensation For Loss Of Sight In One Eye?
The amount of compensation for loss of sight in 1 eye, with no issues in the other eye, can result in an award of between £66,920 and £80,210, depending on factors such as age, psychological impact, and cosmetic effect. You can speak with an advisor for a more tailored discussion on compensation.
Further Support For Loss Of Sight
- The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is the UK’s leading sight loss charity.
- Moorfields Eye Charity explains the help they offer people with sight issues.
- Fight for Sight fund scientific research into sight loss.
- Here is information on the work of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and how they seek improvements in patient care.
- And also the charity Sight Search, which concentrates on innovative eye disease research.
More Useful Information
In addition to this article about loss of sight claims, these other resources may help:
- In this guide, we discuss eye surgery negligence claims.
- Here we explain how to claim after an eye injury at work.
- Also, you can find out how to make a holiday accident claim.
- How to request CCTV footage of yourself.
- Requesting copies of your medical records.
- Help with living with blindness and vision loss from the NHS.
In conclusion, thank you for reading this guide about making a loss of sight claim and our illustrative case study*.
