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For patients and the public

Low vision2023-09-08T09:24:38+01:00

Low vision

Low vision services are for people – both children and adults who have a vision impairment, whether or not medical treatment is able to help with their medical diagnosis. The most common conditions that vision impaired people who come to our services are:

  • Age related macular degeneration
  • Diabetic retnopathy
  • Glaucoma
  • Untreated cataracts
  • Nystagmus (uncontrolled constant eye movements)

How a low vision specialist Orthoptist can help

Specialist orthoptists can provide and advise on a range of vision aids, lighting, contrast and technology solutions to help you make the most of your eyesight and regain or maintain your independence.  They can assist you in learning strategies which help you to make the most of your vision, are knowledgeable in additional services, and can signpost you to contacts and charities which offer additional services and support.  Specialist low vision orthoptists can advise on both children’s vision and educational support as well as adult vision and technology to assist in your place of work.

Information and resources for patients

There’s a huge amount of information and resources available to support those living with low vision and their families.

The Macular Society provides many information resources in written and auditory format on macular conditions and making the most of the environment around you.

https://www.macularsociety.org/resources

Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) offer help and support for blind and partially sighted people, including a series of guides to understanding your eye condition, available here.

SeeAbility provide support and champion better eye care for people with learning disabilities and autism, many of whom have sight loss.

They have a series of information resources for adults and children with learning difficulties, on looking after your eyes, available here.

Nystagmus Network provides advice, support and information to everyone living with nystagmus and their families.

https://www.nystagmusnetwork.org

Sight Advice FAQ answers questions about living with sight loss, eye health or being newly diagnosed with a sight condition.

https://www.sightadvicefaq.org.uk/

Sightline is a directory for services aimed at helping blind or partially sighted people

https://www.sightlinedirectory.org.uk/

Guide Dogs UK offer a wide variety of services for people with sight loss.
https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/

Thomas Pocklington Trust provides resources for the visually impaired.
https://www.pocklington-trust.org.uk/

Visionary is a membership organisation for local sight loss charities, supporting them to access the information they need and to facilitate collaboration between its members.
https://visionary.org.uk/

Resources for parents of blind or partially sighted children from the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB).

Nystagmus Information Pack from the University of Sheffield.

Starting Point leaflet – guide for parents of children with visual impairment

Royal Society for Blind Children offer a range of services including emotional support and practical advice for families.

Look UK offer mentoring, transformational events, youth forums and parent support groups to support young visually impaired people and their families.