Regional lead update: North East and Yorkshire
DOs may undertake low vision assessments within their scope of practice
In my role as ABDO regional lead for the North East and Yorkshire, I have been keen to learn more about the low vision pathways available across our region, what support exists beyond the consulting room, and how dispensing opticians (DOs) can contribute to improving outcomes for patients living with sight loss.
With an ageing population and people generally living longer, we are likely to encounter increasing numbers of patients affected by low vision. Conditions such as agerelated macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa and optic nerve disorders can all result in permanent visual impairment.
While understanding these conditions is important, our role extends beyond recognising the causes of sight loss. Equally important is knowing what support is available locally and how we can help patients access it.
DOs may undertake low vision assessments within their scope of practice. This presents an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to a patient’s quality of life. A low vision assessment allows us to explore how a patient uses their remaining vision, and identify strategies that may help them perform day-to-day tasks more effectively.
Practical advice can include demonstrating magnifiers and other low vision aids, discussing lighting and contrast, and recommending environmental modifications within the home. Technology also offers patients a growing range of support tools.
As DOs, we are often one of the first professionals a patient speaks to about the practical impact of their sight loss. This places us in an excellent position to signpost patients towards additional support services available.
ECLO services
One valuable resource is the eye clinic liaison officer (ECLO) service. ECLOs act as a bridge between hospital eye departments and the wider support network available to patients and their families. They provide information, emotional support and guidance following diagnosis, helping individuals understand their condition and access relevant services.
Many hospitals across the North East and Yorkshire have ECLO provision, including sites in Leeds, Barnsley, Harrogate and South Tees, alongside numerous other trusts across the region.
Referrals can be made by eyecare professionals, GPs, nurses and sensory support teams, and patients can often self-refer.
Having an awareness of local ECLO services enables us to direct patients towards support at what can often be a difficult and uncertain time. ABDO is presently working with the RNIB to explore ways DOs can work more closely with ECLOs across England, and intergrate the work they do in secondary care into a primary care setting. Low vision support: what role can we play?
Certification and networks
Another important aspect of the patient journey is the Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) process. Not all patients with low vision will be certified as sight impaired or severely sight impaired, but for those who meet the criteria, certification can open the door to a range of practical and financial support.
Certification is completed by an ophthalmologist and considers visual acuity, visual field loss and the overall impact of sight loss on daily living. Following certification, patients may choose to register with their local authority sensory service.
Registration can provide access to rehabilitation services, mobility training, benefits advice and additional support designed to help individuals maintain their independence. Having a basic understanding of the CVI process allows us to answer patient questions and guide them towards appropriate sources of information.
The North East and Yorkshire region is fortunate to have a strong network of local sight loss charities and support organisations. Across the North East, services such as Vision Northumberland, Newcastle Vision Support, One Vision and North East Sight Matters provide valuable support to individuals and families affected by sight loss.
Within Yorkshire, organisations including MySight York, Leeds Hearing and Sight Loss Service, Sight Support Hull & East Yorkshire, and the Sight Loss Council in South Yorkshire offer practical advice, training, social opportunities and rehabilitation support.
Education opportunities
For DOs interested in becoming more involved in low vision care, there are excellent educational opportunities available from online courses to day workshops. The ABDO website has resources available to members about how to incorporate low vision services into your practice, while practical advice can be found in the Business Hub.
Low vision care is about much more than assessing eyesight. By understanding the pathways, services and organisations available in their area, DOs can play a vital role in helping patients access support, maintain independence and live well with sight loss.
Lynda Matthias FBDO has been a dispensing optician for 20 years and works as a locum across Yorkshire. She represents DOs on Leeds Local Optical Committee. Contact Lynda by emailing lmatthias@abdo.org.uk