Sight Loss

Eye Information

Open your eyes to blindness

A visual impairment is generally defined as an eyesight problem that cannot be corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses or by surgery.

At Isle of Wight Society for the Blind, we understand that sight loss not only results in loss of confidence, loneliness and isolation, but it can also devastate lives.

There are currently approximately 1,000 visually impaired people on the Island who are registered with the Isle of Wight Society for the Blind. Some of these people have been born with a sight problem; some may have it as a result of an accident; whilst others may have developed a problem at some stage throughout their life. A number of these people also have other disabilities.

Different eye conditions create different problems for individuals. The four major causes of visual impairment in the UK today are Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Glaucoma, Diabetic (related) Eye Disease and Cataracts. Many of these conditions affect people over 60 years.

Open your eyes to these facts:

Remember! Prevention is better than cure, so book an eye test with your local optician today!

There is a good selection of opticians on the Island, there's bound to be one near you. To find your nearest one visit: www.nhs.uk

Q: How much does an eye examination cost?
A: The cost for a private eye examination varies according to the practice.

Q: How do I know if I am entitled to a free eye exam?
A: You are entitled to a free eye exam if you are:

Aged 60 or over

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a particular eye condition, we can help.

Information on eye conditions - Useful Links

Visugate
This site allows you to search information from all of the leading visual impairment organisations in the UK.

Common Eye conditions - RNIB
This is the Royal National Institute of the Blind site giving simple guides to help you understand more about eye conditions.

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Registration

Concerned about your Sight? The first step is to get an eye test

Eye tests are important in detecting all sorts of eye conditions and more general health problems. Conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can be identified by an eye test.

Early treatment can often prevent your sight from getting worse. You should have an eye test at least once every two years, although you may be advised to visit the optician or optometrist more frequently.

An eye test is not just about getting glasses, it is a vital health check for your eyes.

If you would like further information on your individual eye condition, you can obtain leaflets or fact sheets from IWSB.

Phone 01983 522205 for free leaflets on conditions such as Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa which are available in large print and can also be supplied in Braille and on tape.

What next?

Your GP or optician
If your sight is giving cause for concern your GP may refer you to the Eye Clinic at St Mary's Hospital. (Or your Optician will refer you to your GP, who in turn will refer you to the Eye Clinic.)

At the Eye Clinic it may be suggested to you that you should be registered as Blind or Partially Sighted.

Registration

This means having your name added to a register of people who have permanent poor sight. On the Island the register is held by the Isle of Wight Society for the Blind (IWSB) on behalf of the IW Council’s Social Services Departmen. Registration is voluntary, but some benefits and entitlements may only be available if you are registered.
Your eye consultant will advise whether you are eligible to be registered as blind or partially sighted and will complete the necessary certificate called a CVI (Certificate of Visual Impairment). You will then be contacted by IWSB, who will undertake a specialist assessment of your need, issue you with a card confirming your registration status and your copy of the CVI.

You may be eligible for registration as a blind person even if you have some residual vision.

Making the best of your sight

If you have difficulty reading normal print with reading glasses, there is a wide variety of magnifiers available to help with reading, writing, other close work, watching TV or viewing at longer distances. Information and advice is available through an appointment at the Low Vision Aid Clinic at St. Mary's Hospital. Contact your GP about a referral to the clinic or contact IWSB for further information.

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Children and Families

What to do if you are worried about a child with poor sight

Initially contact your GP or Health visitor who will discuss any concerns you may have. They can put you in touch with an eye specialist who can determine any problems that may be present.

In School

Every school has a SENCO (Special educational needs co-ordinator) their role is to ensure that the School takes account of any "additional needs" that a pupil has or is experiencing. The SENCO can arrange for information and worksheets to be supplied in large print or Braille. Additional time may be allocated to STATs tests to accommodate problems in reading information. Regular reviews will take place to check progress is being made and that adjustments made by the school are meeting the additional needs of a child with reduced sight.

More information, practical help and advice is available from the Specialist teachers for visual impairment at Thompson House.
Phone 01983 53 35 23

or from the Education department at County Hall who have produced a booklet - 'Children with Special Needs - the Island Approach'.
Phone 01983 82 34 55

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