Optometrists identifying a
person with significant sight problems can now give a letter, produced by
Department of Health, to the person in order that they can request a social
care assessment of their needs. The letter and explanatory notes can be
downloaded from this site.
Background
Information
The Department of Health have
made significant changes to the system for identifying people with serious
sight problems enabling them to gain access to specialist help.
The main aims of the changes are
to improve the speed of referral for social care, increase the quality and type
of information provided, improve the accessibility and understanding of the
process for patients, and update the terminology in line with consultation
findings.
There are now changes to the
form used to identify people who can be registered as visually impaired and, as
well as the letters that can now be issued by Optometrists, a new referral form
will be used in hospital eye clinics to refer people who, for whatever reason,
cannot be registered at that time but are in need of service.
Assessment of
need
People referred by any of the
above means will receive an assessment of their needs from the Department of
Social Services and, where necessary, appropriate services can be provided.
Those who are having significant difficulties coping with loss of vision will
be offered a specialist assessment by a Rehabilitation Officer (visual
impairment)
Rehabilitation Officer
(visual impairment)
Rehabilitation Officers assist
people to maintain and develop skills to enable to cope with their reduced
levels of vision. They can help people to continue with household tasks, travel
safely and independently, make the best use of their low vision and help with
communication needs such as using computers or audio equipment. They also offer
support and advice on employment, leisure and educational needs.
More information is available
from the contact details on the letters and forms available on this
site.