VISION 2020 UK, the umbrella organisation which leads collaboration in eye health and sight loss, has begun hosting the All-Wales Integrated Pathway for Children and Young People (0 to 25 years) with Vision Impairment, and their Families. The pathway, created in collaboration with the Children’s Vision Service Advisory Group for Wales, provides an agreed provision pathway from the point of diagnosis of a visual impairment to adulthood.
Building on the work of the VISION 2020 UK Children and Young People’s Committee, this pathway has been through an extensive consultation process with stakeholders in Wales and has been acknowledged in Wales as the key pathway integrating other pathway documents relating to the provision of services for children and young people with visual impairment.
The pathway is underpinned by two basic principles: timely support and emotional support for children, young people and their families. It is recommended that this pathway is used in Wales as a central ‘spine’ from which other pathways for areas of supporting activity may be developed.
Dr Heather Payne, Chair of the Children’s Vision Service Advisory Group for Wales, commented “I’m extremely grateful to the expertise and dedication of the Children’s Vision Advisory Group for working towards the successful production of this document. Its use across Wales by all agencies should help children with sight loss to have a clever route through to the services that will help them achieve their potential. The pathway represents the essence of prudent healthcare; it is co-produced, child and family focussed, and it aims to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities.”
Director of RNIB Cymru, Ceri Jackson, said: “We are delighted to support the publication of this landmark pathway, which signposts access to integrated support for children with sight loss and their families throughout their journey. We have been fully engaged in the development of the publication and will continue to work with Welsh Government to ensure that this pathway results in integrated support for children across Wales.”
This resource is now available on the VISION 2002 UK website.