Visual Impairment

Patients can be referred to an accredited optometrist either by the Hospital Eye Unit, Social Services, Dorset Blind Association, Bournemouth Society for the Visually Impaired, a GP or by other Optometrists. Patients can also self-refer.

There is no set level of VA for referral but a person may be considered to have low vision if they have an impairment of their visual function that is adversely affecting their quality of life but cannot be corrected through spectacles, contact lenses or medical or surgical intervention.

The initial low vision assessment includes refraction using the Bailey-Lovie Logmar reading and distance charts and Peli Robson contrast sensitivity charts where appropriate.

Following the Low Vision Assessment a range of hand held or stand, either illuminated or non-illuminated, magnifiers, or telescopic aids can be offered. This is done on an ‘on loan’ basis.

Advice is given on glare control and task lighting.

The service aims to enable a more independent lifestyle through provision of an appropriate LVA and/or referral and liaison with the Sight and Hearing Team at Social Services.

Training is offered together with follow-up, either face to face or by telephone, with regular low vision reassessment as required generally 6-12 monthly depending on severity of condition.

Dorset Low Vision Aid Service:

Listed below are practices who provide a free Low vsion Aid Service to patients registered with a Dorset GP.

These practices can assess whether the px would benefit from using a magnifier and if so, will provide one on loan for free:

Julian May Opticians

101 Southbourne Grove

Bournemouth

BH6 3QY

01202 432435

Parley Optometrists

127 New Road

West Parley

BH22 8EB

01202 575759

Howie and Tickner

6 Highcliffe Corner

Lymington Road

Highcliffe

BH23 5EB

01425 272382

Parkstone Eye Care

279 Ashley Road

Parkstone

BH14 9DS

01202 733611

CH Webster Opticians

10B North Street

Wareham

BH20 4AF

01929 556062