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Find out how you can access higher education in Ireland

Blind / Vision Impaired

Including, but not limit to, the following conditions: Albinism, Aniridia, Coloboma Congenital cataracts, Corneal dystrophies (including Keratoconus), Nystagmus, Optic atrophy, Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, Retinal dystrophy, Retinitis pigmentosa, Retinal detachment, Stargardt’s macular dystrophy, Syndromes etc.
Appropriate Professional Ophthalmologist OR
Ophthalmic Surgeon
Type of Documentation Required Complete the Evidence of Disability Form 2023 OR
Submit an existing report completed by the appropriate professional that contains the same detail as the Evidence of Disability Form. The report must be signed and submitted on the headed paper.
Required Age of Report While there is no age limit on diagnostic evidence submitted, it is advisable to submit a recent report.
Other Disabilities Submit an Evidence of Disability Form for each disability/ condition to be considered.
Educational Impact Statement (EIS) The Educational Impact Statement allows you and your school to provide detail of how your disability has impacted on your second level experience. The EIS is a requirement for all applicants. The Department of Education and Skills Visiting Teacher Service can also submit a Transition Report of a DARE applicant; however, this is not a substitute for the Educational Impact Statement
DARE Eligibility The applicant is eligible once the appropriate professional confirms that: The Best Corrected Visual Acuity is equal to or less than 6/24 (Snellen) in one eye OR The Best Corrected Visual Acuity is equal to or less than 6/18 (Snellen) in both eyes OR The Peripheral Field of Vision is reduced by 20 Degrees or greater in both eyes OR The Central Field of Vision is limited to the extent that it interferes with normal visual acquisition of visual material, e.g. Stargardt’s Disease AND The applicant meets any combination of two educational impact indicators from Indicators 1 to 5 on the EIS.

For more information, contact the Access Office in one of the participating colleges

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