About vision impairment

Sight loss may be present at birth, in childhood or be acquired later in life. It is caused by a variety of different conditions or may be caused by infection or trauma. 

Some of the more common conditions are Cataracts Glaucoma, Age Related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Retinitis Pigmentosa. 

Sight loss affects individuals in a variety of ways. you may be struggling to cope emotionally or with aspects of your daily life including:

• getting out and about safely, 
• accessing information, 
• cooking, 
• cleaning 
• employment
• your mental health may also be affected by experiencing additional difficulties including experiencing isolation and depression

How to get help?

If you have concerns about your sight an eye examination with an optometrist (optician) is essential to ensure your eyes are healthy. It is advisable, even if you do not experience any problems, to have an eye check every 2 years. In some circumstances you may need a test more frequently and your optometrist will advise you if this is the case.

If you already have a diagnosed sight loss and your sight is worsening either contact your ophthalmology department, if you are still seeing a consultant ophthalmologist or visit your GP for a re- referral.

If you suffer sudden sight loss, visual disturbance, distortion or injury to the eye go to the Accident and Emergency Unit of your local hospital.

What Support is available?

Equipment

You may be able to access a low vision assessment and obtain on long term loan magnifiers and additional lighting to help with many tasks, either by asking your ophthalmologist for a referral to the hospital low vision service, or by contacting the local voluntary organisations.

If you are unable to access these services a worker from the Sensory Impairment Service can provide a low vision assessment and advise you on a suitable magnifier for you to purchase.

You might also find the below organisations helpful to support you

Sight Concern Worcestershire is a local charity offering help to blind and partially sighted people.  

Access to Work is a government organisation offering an assessment to obtain advice and sometimes funding that will enable you to access additional support or specialist equipment to support your employment.

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) raises awareness of sight problems, and how to prevent sight loss, and they campaign for better services and a more inclusive society RNIB raises awareness of sight problems, and how to prevent sight loss, and they campaign for better services and a more inclusive society.

Sensory Impairment Service

If you or your health care professional feel you need additional support Specialist workers from the Sensory Impairment Service may be able to help. 

They will work with you to identify suitable advice, information, communication methods, voluntary services, equipment and support that will promote your independence and wellbeing. 

They may provide additional equipment on long term loan or advise you on equipment you can purchase. 

The workers can also provide support in registrations and accessing some additional benefits. 

To have a discussion about your needs and support available to you please contact us: 

Duty Worker available on Monday to Friday.

Email: sensoryimpairmenteam@worcestershire.gov.uk