There are 2 categories of visual impairment:
- sight impaired (partially sighted) - where people may have some vision or can see light and shade
- severely sight impaired (blind) - where the sight loss means that the person may struggle to carry out activities that rely upon visual cues
Your eyes will be checked by the ophthalmologist for:
- visual acuity - your central vision, the vision you use to see detail
- visual field - how much you can see around the edge of your vision, while looking straight ahead
You can find out more about visual impairment on NHS Choices.
Certificates of visual impairment
If an ophthalmologist determines you are eligible to be certified as sight impaired or severely sight impaired, they'll complete an official 'Certificate of Visual Impairment' (a CVI).
You and your GP will each receive a copy of the certificate and a copy will be sent to our Deaf and sensory team.
When we receive the certificate, we'll contact you to ask whether you want to be added to our register of visually impaired people. We'll also arrange for an assessment to be carried out by our contracted provider.
Sight Support Derbyshire support service
Sight Support Derbyshire is a local voluntary organisation which provides services, support, advice and information to people with sight loss living in Derbyshire.
They offer information and advice and provide a rehabilitation support service to promote the independence and wellbeing of people who are severely sight impaired, sight impaired or who have a dual sensory loss.
The service includes:
- providing signposting, information, advice and guidance
- information days which are delivered around the county throughout the year
- a mobile resource service which delivers information, advice and support at a range of locations across the county
- a rehabilitation support service which promotes independence, helping service users meet identified outcomes
- programmes of training and support which may include teaching independent living skills, indoor and outdoor mobility or orientation training, communication skills training and training in the use of specialist equipment
Contact:
Social care support
If you feel you need more help, you may benefit from having an assessment of your needs for adult social care support. This means that a social worker or social care practitioner will contact you and arrange to visit to talk about your needs, and how they can best be met.
If you're found to be eligible for a service from us, we'll work with you to create a support plan that helps you to achieve your goals and outcomes.
To request a social care assessment, or for any other information, contact Call Derbyshire, email contact.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk or tel: 01629 533190.
Derbyshire Deaf and Sensory Team
The Deaf and sensory team can help if you have problems with sight as well as hearing, or if you have dual sensory loss.
The team is made up of specialist workers who can give advice and assess for services and specialist support and equipment. They can also work alongside your social care worker, if required, to ensure that you have access to all the support you need.
They provide information, support and advice drop-in sessions:
- Clay Cross - second Thursday of the month from 11am to 1pm at Clay Cross Office, Market Street, Clay Cross, S45 9JE
- Ilkeston - last Wednesday of the month from 10am to midday at the Cantalupe Centre, Market Place, Ilkeston, DE7 5HY
This service will not be provided on bank holidays.
You can contact the deaf and sensory team by:
- text: 86555 start your text with BSL then press space and then start your message - texts are only checked on Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
- minicom: 01246 861852
- tel: 01629 537171
- email: deafteam@derbyshire.gov.uk
- write to:
Deaf and Sensory Team
Derbyshire County Council
High Street
Clay Cross
Chesterfield
S45 9JB
You can also follow the Derbyshire Deaf team on Facebook.