Low Vision
Community optometrists are in an ideal position to direct patients with visual impairment to local statutory or voluntary support services. It is not necessary for a patient to be registered as sight impaired in order to access these resources.
Click this link https://www.sightlinedirectory.org.uk/ for a useful directory of services aimed at helping blind or partially sighted people.
The resource booklet Seeing beyond the eyes lists many national sources of support, with spaces to include local sources. As these are subject to change, please use the Sightline Directory (above) to locate them, and we will also attempt to keep the local links below updated.
BucksVision is a visual impairment charity, with resource centres in Aylesbury and Milton Keynes. They are very happy for patients to self-refer. Find out more by visiting their website http://www.bucksvision.co.uk.
Support at eye clinics
Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) provide emotional and practical support to patients attending local eye clinics. They are able to answer a wide range of questions, such as how to register as sight impaired, and advise on equipment and aids that might help. In this video, ECLO Robert McKenzie discusses his role at Moorfields Eye Hospital, and how he helps people who have been newly-diagnosed. For further information about ECLOs, please contact BucksVision on 01296 487 556 or email reception@bucksvision.co.uk.
Statutory services
In Milton Keynes the statutory service is provided by BID (Birmingham Institute for the Deaf). Local contact details are below:
Sensory Advice Resource Centre
Gloucester House
399 Silbury Boulevard
Milton Keynes MK9 2AH
Telephone : 01908 401135
Email : sarcmk@bid.org.uk
https://www.bid.org.uk/milton-keynes/milton-keynes
In the rest of Bucks, the statutory provider is BISS (Buckinghamshire Integrated Sensory Service)
The Low Vision Leaflet (LVL), which patients may use for self-referral, is available for download from the RCOphth website.
Thames Valley Police have a Visual Impairment Protocol, describing processes by which people with sight loss may safely identify police officers and police employees.
Support for children and their families
RSBC provide a range of services in London and across England and Wales for blind and partially sighted children and young people, their families, and the professionals who work alongside them. Their Families First service provides therapeutic intervention and support. Call 0203 198 0210.
Events and training : RNIB’s Sight Loss Awareness E-Learning module
This module is free to access and is aimed at ALL staff working in optometry: optometrists, dispensing opticians, practice managers and all practice support staff.
This three part module is designed to improve understanding of the impact of sight loss and how to ensure that patients receive the help that they need at the time they need it. It takes approximately two hours to complete but can be completed at the learner’s own pace. Once registered, the course can be accessed for three months. CPD points are available for GOC registered professionals.
To sign up, email eyecare.professionals@rnib.org.uk with the subject heading ‘LOC access Sight Loss Awareness E-Learning’ and state the following:
- Name
- Email Address
- job role
- Name of LOC
Please note that this module is aimed at optometrists who are not actively working in a low vision service. If anyone is providing a low vision service they may find it more useful to complete RNIB’s second level of training ‘A holistic approach to low vision’