The Low Vision Service Wales (WGOS 3)
What is low vision?
Low vision simply means not being able to see as well as most other people even when you’re wearing glasses or contact lenses. For example, you would probably have low vision if you have age-related macular degeneration (AMD).If you already have a vision impairment or low vision, an optometrist can help you make the best use of the sight you have. They start by carrying out a low vision assessment. This assessment could, for instance, show that magnifiers or better lighting at home would help you. They can also advise you about other people and organisations who may be able to help you with transport, benefits or simple things to make life easier around the house.Certain magnifiers and low vision aids (LVAs) are provided by the Wales General Ophthalmic Service for Low Vision and paid for by the Welsh Government. So, they won’t cost you a penny.
What is a low vision assessment?
Using information about your needs and your functional vision, the practitioner (normally an optometrist) will determine if any low vision aids are available to help you do the things you want. This might include magnifiers and lights. They will also use their specialist knowledge to signpost you to other professionals and services which may provide additional help and support including social services; voluntary organisations; the Hospital Eye Service for certification as Sight Impaired or Severely Sight Impaired; education services or employment services.The appointment with the low vision practitioner usually lasts about an hour and is provided free of charge by the NHS and all the low vision aids are available on loan, and free of charge.You are entitled to a service at home if you are unable to leave home unaccompanied.
Where can I have a low vision assessment?
To self-refer into the Low Vision Service, please contact your local optometrist or search Perspectif for an optometrist in your area - https://perspectif.org.uk/wales-eye-care-service
Other sources of Low Vision Aids
While you can only be prescribed Low Vision Aids for free through the Low Vision Service Wales, you can, of course, buy LVAs yourself. Your local resource centre (sometimes run by a charity) can show you a range of products. The resource centres in Wales are listed at https://perspectif.org.uk/service/search?type=37
If you do not live close enough to one of these, contact the RNIB Shop for alternatives.
Alternatively, you can contact a manufacturer or distributor of LVAs. You can find some here: https://perspectif.org.uk/service/search?type=31
More about the Certificate of Vision Impairment (Wales)Practitioners accredited to provide Low Vision Assessments in Wales are now able to certify eligible people with sight loss if the cause of sight loss is Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration.Registration improves access to services and support aimed at maintaining a person’s independence, inclusive of that offered by Vision Rehabilitation Specialists. It is not a prerequisite for such support, however. But it does make proving your eligibility for various services and support much easier.You can find out more about how the CVI(W) can be useful to you at https://www.nhs.wales/sa/eye-care-wales/eye-care-docs/cviw-patient-information-pdf/