Sight Loss

Introduction

A diagnosis of permanent visual impairment can be difficult to come to terms with.  Reactions can include: shock, anger, denial, hopelessness, depression. You may also feel a loss of identity. These emotions are part of adjustment and adaptation in the process of lifestyle changes and choices.

Registering your vision impairment

Following assessment of your level of sight impairment by an ophthalmologist (a medically trained eye Doctor), he or she can register your vision impairment and complete a CVI  (Certificate of Visual Impairment) form.

This will detail the severity of your sight loss: sight impaired (partially sighted) or severely sight impaired (blind).

Once you are registered, social services will assess what help you may need to remain independent. Benefits of being registered include free eye tests, blind person’s tax allowance, a reduction in tv license and eligibility to a blue badge parking permit. If you have not had CVI registration, you may wish to self-register as sight impaired (RVI).

For more information on registration see:

RNIB and GOV.UK websites

Eye clinic

You may be referred to an eye clinic and/or low vision clinic. Here you will meet the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO), Orthoptist or Optometrist. They can offer:

• Help and information to understand your condition.
• Support in coming to terms with diagnosis.
• Advice with practical issues.

Practical help (more in resources section)

You may find some of these useful for your home:

• Large button telephone/keyboard. Screen reader.
• Liquid level indicator for hot drinks.
• Talking clock, watch, calendar, can labels.
• Talking newspaper, large print books, audiobooks.

Driving

You have a legal obligation to inform the DVLA.

Once registered with sight impairment you may no longer be able to drive. Assessment in the eye clinic is important to provide you with information about driving regulations.

Resources and contacts

Bradbury Fields Liverpool www.bradburyfields.org.uk 

Support, information, practical help, rehabilitation

 

British and Irish Orthoptic Society

https://www.orthoptics.org.uk/resources/clinical-advisory-group/stroke-and-neuro-rehabilitation/

 

Galloways Society for the Blind Southport 01704 534 555

www.galloways.org.uk Support groups/functions, aids, IT

 

Headway https://www.headway.org.uk/

 

Henshaws https://www.henshaws.org.uk/

 

RNIB  www.rnib.org.uk  0303 123 9999

Mon-Sat  Counselling, equipment, reading services.

 

Sightline Directory   www.sightlinedirectory.org.uk    

Find a sight loss organisation, get emotional support.

 

Sight Advice www.sightadvicefaq.org.uk Ask about living with sight loss, new diagnosis, help around the home.

 

The Stroke Association: www.stroke.org.uk

0303 3033 100. From a textphone: 1800 0303 3033 100

Information on how stroke affects vision & balance.

Other useful contacts

Blind Veterans UK Hotline: 0800 389 7979 (free help)

The Macular Society  Helpline: 0300 3030 111

NHS website  www.nhs.uk/conditions/vision-loss

The Partially Sighted Society  Helpline: 01302 965195

Retina UK  Helpline: 0845 123 2354

VISION unit www.vision-research.co.uk

Walton Centre support worker 0151 556 3449

 

Practical equipment:

https://www.healthandcare.co.uk

https://www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk

 

Did you know?

Many Trust websites, including WCFT, have facilities for making documents such as patient information leaflets easier to read. This  includes being able to change font size as well as the colour of background and text.

 

Compiled by Collette Crompton. With thanks to Professor Fiona Rowe, Consultant Orthoptist.