Membership criteria
RNZFB membership is assessed on information about ophthalmic conditions, provided by an optometrist or ophthalmologist (eye specialist). Find out what you should ask your doctor.
No one is too young or too old to become a RNZFB member. Many members are not completely blind and have some useful vision; however, all members must meet the registration criteria.
Registration criteria
Adults
New Zealand residents who, in the opinion of a registered ophthalmologist or optometrist, have a visual acuity not exceeding 6/24 in the better eye with corrective lenses, or serious limitations in the field of vision, generally not greater than 20 degrees in the widest diameter in the better eye.
Children and young adults
Children and young adults must also have a referral from an ophthalmologist or optometrist. All children and young adults (21 years of age and under) who are currently registered with Visual Resource Centres regardless of their degree of vision loss may apply to become a RNZFB member.