Wirral Low Vision Service Gillian Rudduck Wirral University Teaching Hospital Helen Corcoran Wirral Vision Support Service

Aims of Paed LVA service n To improve level of ownership and use of LVA n reduce dependency on enlargement n work in an atmosphere of co- management n monitor usage of LVA n review usage and make adjustments

Referral Route n Protocol agreed at a multidisciplinary level n Referral may be requested by –teacher/support worker –parent –GP –ophthalmologist n Referred to vision support service rehabilitation officer

n Consent for cross referral –parent –GP –ophthalmologist

Preliminary assessment by rehab –reason for referral –current LVA ownership –current LVA usage –distance vision tasks –classroom assessment ergonomics environment –near vision tasks –lighting –desired outcome

Multidisciplinary assessment n Child n parent n rehabilitation officer n teacher for visually impaired

Paediatric Low Vision Routine n History and Symptoms n Visual Acuity n Near Acuity n Refraction, n Colour vision n Visual fields n Selection of aid

n Target setting- agreed n Arrangement for follow up/training n Re-referral n Report to parents, education, healthcare etc..

Post clinic follow up n Training with Rehabilitation Officer –tracking, spotting –number games –blackboard,whiteboard –in class –real world –mobility n Reassessment of use n Re-referral as necessary

Service developments n User group n user satisfaction survey- parents carers & children n Service redesign

n Multi-disciplinary,multi-agency approach n needs based n not dependent on registration n locally designed Recommended standards for low vision

Acknowledgements n Vision Support Service, Wirral n Local Consultant ophthalmologists n Colleagues in optometry department n Wirral paediatric eyecare group n Patients and their families

Thankyou