LOW VISION – THE DEBATE York November 30 th 2009

Statement Dealing effectively with Low Vision needs for partially sighted people is the single most important element in their lives. Without it education, citizenship, employment and leisure are all weakened or placed out of reach. Add to it good emotional support and training and people’s lives can change for the better.

Discussion How have we done so far? Where are we now? Why is it so difficult? Expectations Investment in LV coordination

How have we done so far? History and update to follow; but recognise the impact when used The challenge has been to coordinate the campaigning and influence for better LV services It has been a struggle to gain a single focus LVSCs have only one person to turn to for support – Mary Bairstow

Where are we now? LVSCs now recognised as a useful resource and influencer but progress has been slow UK Vision Strategy - Outcomes Good LVSCs are a beacon of success – some are good but struggle for attention Recession and budget cuts loom But….at least LV is on the map!

Why is it so difficult? Communication or misunderstandings? Lack of political focus? LVSCs are low cost high value so where’s the financial problem? Is it because it is simply seen as too difficult to get agencies together to talk about one specific element of VI?

Patients’ Expectations To be: Fully advised and signposted to other agencies eg social care, charities Experience no delays and to be treated with respect – and listened to! Given the right equipment and training Offered regular reviews

Investment in Low Vision A coordinated investment in LV is needed The LVSG and work of LVSCs costs about £20,000. This is mostly voluntary work and equates to approx’ £2.00 per hr In the past year there have been about 25 major successful outcomes = £800 each This cost is less than a half an ECLO in one hospital eye clinic If we cannot invest in LV it is doomed to remain in the fourth division!

Summary Well done to all the LVSCs To everyone else: think about how best to support this low cost high value work To Vision2020UK and the UK Vision Strategy – consider permanent moderate investment in Low Vision issues to score more goals, achieve more outcomes for the Strategy and get into the Premier League!