AOP members encouraged to share experiences of providing low vision support

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is encouraging practitioners involved in delivering low vision services to take part in a new survey.

Data gathered will be used as evidence in a mapping exercise that will seek to end the ‘postcode lottery’ for low vision support in the UK.

Currently, no comprehensive data on the prevalence of low vision services exists.

The survey is confidential and will take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. Data gathered will be used to identify areas where low vision services are not being provided.

It is hoped that this will assist in making a strong argument to commissioners in areas where services are most needed, as well as assisting patients in knowing where their nearest low vision service is located.

If practitioners work across more than one geographic area, they are asked to fill out a separate form for each region they are providing information about.

The AOP has published recommendations on low vision provision, including calling for all patients to be able to access support, via its Transforming Eyecare for Older People policy hub.

Paul Alexander, the AOP’s policy and governance manager, encouraged members to take part in the RNIB’s survey.

“We will watch the results of this survey with keen interest and collaborate with RNIB on using the data for positive change wherever possible,” Alexander said.