Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) — NDIS Support
Yes — Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) can qualify for NDIS support. CVI is on the NDIA’s List B — permanence is recognised, and you evidence the functional impact on daily life. Funding covers reasonable and necessary supports across daily living, therapy, social participation and capacity building.
Cerebral visual impairment (CVI), sometimes called cortical visual impairment, is vision loss caused by how the brain processes what the eyes see, rather than by a problem with the eyes themselves. The eyes may be perfectly healthy, but the brain's visual pathways can't fully interpret the signals…
CVI & the NDIS FAQs
- Is cerebral visual impairment eligible for the NDIS?
- It can be. CVI isn't automatically listed, so eligibility depends on evidence that it causes a permanent, substantial reduction in everyday functioning — how it affects learning, mobility, communication and daily activities. Functional vision assessments and allied health reports are key, since standard eye tests may…
- How is CVI different from other vision impairment?
- Most vision impairment comes from a problem with the eyes. In CVI the eyes can be healthy, but the brain can't fully process what they see. This means standard eye tests may appear normal, and vision can vary with fatigue, environment and familiarity. CVI needs functional vision assessment rather than eye tests alone,…
- What causes CVI?
- CVI results from differences or damage in the brain's visual processing areas. Common causes include premature birth, reduced oxygen around the time of birth, brain injury, stroke, infection and conditions such as cerebral palsy. Because these often affect other parts of the brain too, CVI frequently occurs alongside…
- Can vision improve with the right support?
- Many children with CVI learn to use their vision more effectively over time, especially with early identification and consistent, tailored strategies. Vision-friendly environments — less clutter, good contrast, familiar routines — and approaches matched to how the person sees can make a real difference. Progress…
- What everyday strategies help someone with CVI?
- Reducing visual clutter, using strong contrast, keeping environments and object placement consistent, allowing time to look, and not expecting looking and doing at the same time all help. Familiar, calm settings are easier than busy ones. Occupational therapists, vision specialists and teachers work together to build…
CVI & the NDIS — practical guides
- Applying for the NDIS with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)
- Assistive Technology for Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)
- NDIS Early Childhood & School Support for Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)
- NDIS Funding & Budget for Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)
- Therapy & Allied Health for Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)
- Finding & Managing Support Workers for Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)
Related conditions
- Chiari Malformation and the NDIS
- Chronic Kidney Disease (End-Stage Renal) and the NDIS
- Coffin-Siris Syndrome and the NDIS
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and the NDIS
- Crohn's Disease & Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the NDIS
- Dissociative Identity Disorder and the NDIS
- Dravet Syndrome and the NDIS
- Dup15q Syndrome and the NDIS
- Dystonia and the NDIS
- Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) and the NDIS
Sources
Reviewed by the Novida editorial team · last reviewed 2026-07-12. General information only — not medical advice.