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Visual Disability Certificate

Who qualifies and how to apply in India

People with permanent visual impairment in India can apply for a disability certificate and a Unique Disability ID (UDID) card under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. The certificate gives access to government benefits such as travel concessions, educational support, job reservations and assistive devices.

Who qualifies?

  • Low vision: best-corrected vision (with glasses) of 6/18 or worse, down to 3/60, in the better eye, or a field of vision of 10 to 40 degrees.
  • Blindness: best-corrected vision worse than 3/60 in the better eye, or a field under 10 degrees, or no light perception.
  • The impairment must be permanent, after treatment such as cataract surgery or glasses has been tried. The percentage of disability is calculated from both eyes using government guidelines.

How to apply

  1. Apply online on the Swavlamban UDID portal (swavlambancard.gov.in) or through the district hospital.
  2. Upload a photo, proof of identity and address.
  3. Attend the medical board at the designated government hospital, where an ophthalmologist examines your vision and fields.
  4. The certificate and UDID card are issued if you qualify. Temporary certificates may be reviewed after a set period.

Bring to the assessment

  • Previous eye reports, surgery records, visual field and OCT reports
  • Your current glasses
  • Identity documents and passport photographs

See what vision numbers mean in our 6/60, 6/18 and 3/60 vision guide, and doctors can use the visual disability calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Is 6/60 vision legally blind in India?

No. Since the RPwD Act 2016, blindness is vision worse than 3/60 in the better eye with glasses, or a field under 10 degrees. 6/60 counts as low vision.

Can a private eye doctor issue the certificate?

Certificates are issued by the government-designated medical authority. Your eye doctor can provide reports to support the application.

Does one-eye blindness qualify?

Assessment uses both eyes. Loss of one eye with a normal fellow eye gives a lower percentage; check the current guidelines with the medical board.

Is the certificate permanent?

For stable conditions it is usually permanent; in others a review date is set.

Related: 6/60, 6/18, 6/36 & 3/60 Vision Meaning: Legal Blindness in India (RPwD 2016), Low Vision vs Legal Blindness in India (RPwD 2016), Living With Low Vision.

This leaflet gives general information and does not replace advice from your own eye doctor. Reviewed by Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (Ophthalmology, AIIMS New Delhi), November 2026.

Questions about this?

Sadbhaav Eye & Dental Clinic, Motera, Ahmedabad. Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (AIIMS New Delhi). Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm. For a serious eye injury outside clinic hours, go to the nearest eye hospital or emergency department.

+91 70169 12180

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