A certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) certifies a person as sight impaired or severely sight impaired. Previous research has shown that the certification and registration process is not always explained to patients, some patients do not receive an assessment from their local authority sensory team and not all patients are aware of the support available to them [1]. Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLO) are not available in every hospital so patients will need to receive information of the support available elsewhere. These patients may turn to other eye care professionals for help and support.
This research project aims to improve the quality of information given to patients with vision impairment. The study involves an online survey to identify the gaps in knowledge eyecare practitioners have (Ophthalmologists, General Practitioners, ECLOs, Low Vision Practitioners, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians) when it comes to the registration process and the support services available to patients with vision impairment. This information will be invaluable in helping to develop CPD events and informative articles to enable eyecare practitioners to appropriately advise and signpost their patients with vision impairment.
The survey will take approximately 10 minutes and responses will be anonymous. The questionnaire with ask questions regarding knowledge of CVI, referral of visual impairment, Charles Bonnet Syndrome, the support and services available to visually impaired patients and any barriers.
Participation in the survey is greatly appreciated and will help eyecare practitioners to provide the support patients with vision loss deserve. The link to the survey is: https://angliaruskin.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/low-vision-questionnaire
The deadline for the survey is 1 April 2024.
References
1. Doyle H, Cooper R. A fractured system: have existing problems in health and social care for visually impaired people been exacerbated by COVID-19? Voluntary Sector Review 2023;14(1):166-76.
