Sight loss

Are you having problems with your sight?

There are some practical suggestions in the "Managing sight loss" publication and the information factsheets, that can be downloaded from the publications page, which will point you in the right direction to get help and support from people who understand what you are going through.

Registration

If your sight loss is likely to be permanent, it will make it easier to get help, advice and some concessions if you register as blind/severely sight impaired or partially sighted/sight impaired.

Nine out of ten people registered as severely sight impaired still have some sight, so don't think you have to have no sight at all to be able to register.

The only person who can decide whether you qualify for registration is a Consultant Ophthalmologist. Once the Consultant Ophthalmologist has decided that you are registerable, they send a certificate to Adult Services and we complete that registration.

How Adult Services can help

Adult Services Sensory Teams will identify the help that you need and provide training, support and advice about solutions to everyday problems. We can also assess the need for equipment and where this can be purchased, and if the Eligibility Criteria is met, we can also supply some items of equipment.

If you think you need help, start by visiting your doctor or your local optician/optometrist for an examination. They can refer you to an ophthalmologist who will examine your eyes and talk to you about possible treatments.

Other sources of help

• Find a local optician
• Eye tests at home - the Outside clinic arranges free eye tests at home for people who are housebound, over 70, and have learning difficulties or mental health problems
• Sensory Loss Services teams will identify the help you need and provide training to help you find solutions to everyday problems. Also contact details for Portsmouth and Southampton
• Specialist equipment and resources - details of suppliers, help for reading books and newspapers and obtaining material in different formats (audio, braille or large print)
• Sending articles for the blind - link to the Royal Mail website

Getting involved

Physical and sensory impairment reference groups

In partnership with Hampshire Coalition of Disabled People, the Adult Services Department has set up 3 Reference Groups, each consisting of up to 20 people who use our services or care for people who do. Each group meets in one of the three main areas of the county. These groups each meet 3 or 4 times a year with the Adult Services Commissioning Team. The purpose is to develop and continue a two way discussion on what, as a Department, we commission for the future in respect of services for people with a physical and/or sensory impairment.

The notes of these meetings are on the Hampshire Coalition website. If you want to get more involved or simply comment please contact either hcodp@btinternet.com or geoff.woollan@hants.gov.uk tel: 01962 847266