One form bad - three forms good? The introduction of the LVI, RVI and CVI Carl Freeman - National Development Advisor (Social Services and Rehabilitation)

Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton Workshop overview The need for change Overview of the new system and its implications Current state of play Questions - welcome at any stage Discussion - sharing experiences. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton What were the problems? Linear (and long ) identification process Optician - GP - Eye Clinic - BD8 - Social Services - Support Help often needed before registration Terminology not always helpful - particularly label of “blind” Majority remained unregistered limited value in planning terms Emotional impact often unrecognised. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton A snake with one ladder BD8 © Richard Cox Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton Dept of Health review Review October 2001 - August 2002 Examined how people with failing sight are identified & access help & support Review group made up of voluntary, professional & statutory bodies Articles in journals, open consultation via government website. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

3 documents for timely referral LVI - issued by high street opticians RVI - issued by eye clinic staff CVI - issued by ophthalmologists 3 ways to access social care. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton LVI Self-referral letter issued by optometrists to people with uncorrectable sight loss Developed locally based on national template containing: information and details of how to obtain social care assessment and/or support onus on individual to send in the form. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton RVI Referral for social care assessment from the eye clinic – not dependent on eligibility or “willingness” to register Includes comment on “urgency” of required response Can be completed by anyone working in the eye clinic (with patient’s consent). Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton CVI Certificate of eligibility to be registered – akin to current BD8 and must be signed by consultant ophthalmologist Also acts as “backstop” social care referral if LVI or RVI not previously issued informs central statistics collection with tick boxes for common eye conditions. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton Snake with 3 ladders LVI RVI CVI © Richard Cox Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton New terminology “Sight Impaired / Partially Sighted” “Severely Sight Impaired / Blind” More “inclusive” and less misleading No opportunity to change the underlying legislation So two basic categories remain. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

Implementation update Slow start Transition phase with BD8s still around Some opposition Some enthusiasm No going back Review period extended - 30/06/04. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

Main implications for users Potential for: improved “patient pathway” more timely support availability of help prior to registration But may lead to: Unmet expectations of social care less incentive to register? Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton Role of SSDs Become fully briefed on the system Talk to the other stakeholders Local societies to include their details on the LVI and Eye clinics to “localise” the RVI & CVI LOCs (Optometrists) re: arrangements for distributing the letter Train their staff (& eye clinic staff?). Print & distribute LVI – SSD responsibility Prepare for monitoring (Autumn DIS 2004) Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton Where to find out more www.sightlossmatters.com Additional background material on the new system & FAQS. Also has a direct link to (very long) Dept of health website address……. http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/Optical/OpticalDocumentsArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4074843&chk=q%2B1fLr Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton Discussion I am happy to take and answer questions and clarify issues covered I can be contacted at: carl.freeman@rnib.org.uk over to you……... Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton More info www.sightlossmatters.com carl.freeman@rnib.org.uk LVI RVI CVI Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

National registration card Concept originated in ADSS sensory sub committee 1997/98 Funding for research from Persula Foundation 2000-2002 Further funding 2004 to go towards implementation Card formally “launched” 24/03/04. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

National registration card Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

National registration card Linked to PinS & new reg system Starter pack going out next week (English authorities) 300 blank cards 600 labels guidance notes. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton