Multi-agency working - Low Vision Services in Wales. Jenny Gray Children’s Low Vision Advocate

History - Low Vision Services Services were patchy and fragmented Service users had to travel long distances to get to services. Waiting times for some services were up to a year.

History - Services for children More professionals involved Little knowledge of other services and when to refer No specific method of referral Complicated referral routes

History - Services for children Insufficient information in referrals Few children having low vision assessments Parents not aware of services available

The Welsh Low Vision Scheme Began in July 2004 >120 optometrists and dispensing opticians accredited Funded by the Welsh Assembly Government

The Welsh Low Vision Scheme Whole of Wales Close to people’s homes < 2 week waiting list Open referral system

The Children’s Low Vision Project Main aim - improve access to low vision services for children and young people Funded by Welsh Assembly Government Started in March 2004 Run by RNIB Cymru

Initiatives - first two years Multi-agency discussion group meetings Multi-agency training days Referral forms Contact directory

Initiatives - first two years Leaflets for parents Website Meetings with LVA manufacturers Promoting use of LVAs to children and young people

Results Feedback suggests –Better knowledge of services –Increased referral rates - especially for low vision assessments –Children are receiving a more holistic, integrated low vision service.

Case Study: Multi-agency working in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot Increased awareness of roles and services Interagency visits and job shadowing Increase in referrals for low vision assessments

Case Study: Multi-agency working in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot Teachers and social workers receiving more information Plan to set standards for an integrated low vision service in the area.

Case Study: How the scheme has helped children 11 year old girl - rare corneal condition Numerous operations in London After 6 months in Wales, had accessed no low vision services.

Case Study: How the scheme has helped children After seeing logo parent made appointment with Low Vision Practitioner Child and parents clearly in need of support Practitioner made referrals to social services, education and VIEWS emotional support programme

Case Study: How the scheme has helped children A year later - quality of life of child and parents significantly improved: –Emotional support greatly helped child and parents –Support received in school for 50% of timetable –Uses a variety of LVAs –Tints control photophobia

Multi-agency working, the Welsh Low Vision Scheme and the Children’s Low Vision Project have provided children with access to: –Services close to their home –Shorter waiting times –Automatic referral to other services –More information about services

Contact details The Welsh Low Vision Scheme Carmarthenshire Local Health Board Tel: Children’s Low Vision Project Jenny Gray Tel: