SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No.255913 © SeeAbility 2011 The Role of SeeAbility in Improving eye.

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No.255913 © SeeAbility 2011

The Role of SeeAbility in Improving eye care

• Martin Thomas – Manager SeeAbility’s Information and Advisory Services


About SeeAbility


National charity established 1799 as Royal School for the Blind

Recognised expertise in supporting people with sight loss and multiple / additional disability

Providing Community, Residential and Day Services for people with sight loss and multiple or additional disabilities in the south and south- west of England.

Providing information, advice, training and consultancy about eye care and health for people with learning disabilities.


Defining Learning Disability

To varying and significant degrees….

“The person will have difficulties understanding and learning new things, and in generalising any learning to new situations, as well as having difficulties with social tasks, for example, communication, self care, awareness of health and safety”.

British Institute of Learning Disabilities (bild)


• The impact of unnoticed or undiagnosed sight problems exacerbates and worsens the impact of a person’s learning disability.

• It further impairs the person’s ability to reach their potential and meet their hopes and aspirations.


SeeAbility’s eye 2 eye Campaign Launched

2005Transforming eye care for people

with learning disabilitiesProviding information, advice and

support for people with learning disabilities, their families and carers, eye care professionals and health and social services staff.


The broad aims ofeye 2 eye

• Improve and increase accessible, regular and effective eye care for people with learning disabilities

• Support eye care professionals to provide accessible and effective services

• Enhance the quality of life for people with learning disabilities when a sight problem has been identified


eye 2 eye (2)

• Influence local and central government policy on eye care and vision for people with learning disabilities

• Provide Look Up Information Service: a web based resource for eye care professionals and those who support people who have learning disabilities

• Support social care and health professionals to develop better services for people with learning disabilities


A national approach

• Information and Advisory team in North, Midlands and London /South East

• Working with Commissioners • Working with Professional Bodies and policy

makers• Working directly with People with Learning

disabilities (Look Here events)• Providing Training and Consultancy• Providing free information resources via

website


January 2013www.seeability.org/myeyecare

‘myeyecare’ replaces look up


MY EYE CARE

EASY READ INFORMATION• Eye health• Eye test• Wearing Glasses• Eye condition• Eye operations• Films


Eye care hub

• Factsheets and Resources (FVA, optometry forms etc)

• Easy read• Information for carers and supporters• Training and consultancy• Optometrist data base• eye 2 eye campaign and research


2011 research published

• Public Health Messages


10 times more likely.


Look Here EventsTalking about our eye care


Overcoming Barriers

SeeAbility’s Information and Advisory Team works with stake holders to overcome inequalities along the eye

care journey….•


Overcoming barriers

• Health care • Eye tests • Wearing glasses• Surgery• Registration• Low vision• Rehabilitation


Reasonable Adjustments

• Access issues – ramps, rails, good colour contrast etc, adjustable seating for equipment –

• Clear unambiguous signage (directional / facilities etc)

• Accessible information re:– Eligibility– Costs– Procedures– Outcomes

• Staff training (diversity and ‘values’, LD aware/ deaf aware etc)


Reasonable Adjustment

• Communication techniques – makaton, BSL

• Adapted treatments and practice techniques (such as Kay picture, Cardiff cards)

• Advice on desensitisation techniques to prepare for eye test)

• Extended treatment times, pre visits, specific appointment times


Contact Details

Martin Thomas

Manager Information and Advisory Service

Tel: 01584 879754

Mobile: 07872 843 696

Email: [email protected]

Paula Spinks – Chamberlain

Director of Information and Advisory Services

Tel : 01372 755000

Email [email protected]

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No.255913 © SeeAbility 2011 The Role of SeeAbility in Improving eye.

Documents

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