Eyesight Classifications
Classification is an important tool to ensure that athletes are competing fairly with competitors with a similar level of vision, or other impairment.
There are two levels of classification: National and International Classifications.
Both follow the same rules and therefore, athletes go through exactly the same procedures at national and international level.
- National classifications are required for competition at national events
- International classification is required for competition at international events, including the Paralympics. The international classification supersedes national classifications.
For club meets, regional competitions or pre-national levels, classification is not required.
It is essential that athletes receive the relevant classification prior to national/international events to ensure fairness in all competitions.
For athletes who are blind or vision impaired, there are currently nine Paralympic Sports available with VI Classification opportunities: Athletics, Cycling, Equestrian, Football (5-a-side), Goalball, Judo, Rowing, Swimming and Triathlon.
Additional sports (non-Paralympic) may also require classification for national/international competitions, eg, VI Tennis, VI Rugby, Blind Golf.
For vision impairment, there are three official classes:
- B1 – VA < LogMAR 2.60 (VA: No Perception of Light (NPL) – able to detect Hand Movements (HM), but unable to see distinct shapes)
- B2 – VA between LogMAR 1.50 to 2.60, and/or, visual fields of <10° (VA Snellen: Counting Fingers to 2/60)
- B3 – VA between LogMAR 1.0 to 1.40, and/or, visual fields of <40° (VA Snellen: 2/60 to 6/60)
Different sports may refer to each class differently, eg, Athletics: T/F11 (B1), T/F12 (B2), T/F13 (B3) or Equestrian B1- Grade IV, Profile 36 / Grade V, Profile 37a),
Unofficial classes for specific sports, eg B4 or B5 in Football, may be recognised in some countries for some sports and only consider acuity:
- B4 – LogMAR – 0.6 to 1.0 (VA Snellen: 6/60 – 6/24)
- B5 – LogMAR 0.6 to 0.5 (VA Snellen: 6/24 – 6/18)
- Unclassified – better than LogMAR 0.5 (VA Snellen: > 6/18)
The Classification Status refers to if and when a review of the classification is required
- Eg, “B2-R2024” – B2 class, review required in 2024.
Length of time between reviews is dependent on the athlete’s eye condition, eg, someone with no sight or a stable condition will have less reviews than an athlete with a degenerative vision impairment.
Expression of Interest: Join the Vision Impairment Paralympic Classification Network
Paralympics Ireland and Vision Sports Ireland are inviting ophthalmologists and optometrists to join a new Vision Impairment Paralympic Classification Network, supporting athletes with a vision impairment on their journey to becoming paralympic athletes.
By joining the VI Paralympic Classification Network, you will:
- Be part of a network of professionals who will help to design a system that best supports athletes with a vision impairment with timely access to examinations and completion of the Medical Diagnostics Form (guidance and specifications will be provided)
- Help reduce barriers for athletes wishing to participate in Para sport at a local, national, or international level
- Contribute to a growing community of specialists committed to inclusion and equal opportunity in sport
Benefits - Be recognised as part of a national network supporting Para sport in Ireland
- Meet, engage with and support the many vision impaired Irish Para athletes
- Access training content on Para sport and the classification process
- Contribute to the growth and accessibility of sport for people with a vision impairment
- Engage with a rewarding initiative that combines your professional expertise with community impact
- Opportunity to become a registered Paralympics Ireland national classifier, if desired
How it Works
- Professionals’ express interest by completing this Expression of Interest Form
- In early 2026 you will be invited an online information meeting with Paralympics Ireland and Vision Sports Ireland
- On this call you will be briefed on the current classification system in Ireland
- You will then have an opportunity to contribute to a new classification model in Ireland in line with International Paralympic Committee regulations
- An implementation roadmap will be agreed
- You can withdraw from the network at any time
How do I get classified?
Classification Days are organised by Paralympics Ireland in collaboration with Vision Sports Ireland and the relevant National Governing Body.
For more information on classifications, please get in contact with Vision Sports Ireland via info@visionsports.ie