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There are 2 million people affected by
uncorrectable sight loss, 90% of those affected are over 60. In the next 30
years, 40% of the population will be over 60 years old.
The RNIB asked Visually Impaired people what
services they receive, comments were;
- not getting the help they need
- they are waiting for years for services
- old people are told there is nothing that can
be done for them.
The majority of people asked did not receive
social services. They did not know if they were eligible because their needs
had not been assessed.
Reasons;
- lack of information about eye conditions
- not told to register, few were aware of the
benefits and services available
- low vision aid without review
- must make most of sight left
- Services vary widely throughout the country,
Low Vision Aid clinics – some have services some don’t
- Links between health and social services are
poor
- Charges vary widely
There is no local authority that provides the
service for free, therefore, people stop using it because they cannot afford it
and also case-loads are large.
Services are responsive: there is care at the
point of diagnosis but nothing afterwards. Most services have social work
contact but it is ‘patchy.’ Most sight loss is degenerative. There is
only one assessment at the point of diagnosis.
Services are not delivered at a universal level
of care. There are inconsistencies in the registering process. Assessments are
service led. Sight loss leads to poverty, isolation and depression. The
unemployment rate of Visually Impaired people is 80%. The unemployment rate
used to be much lower due to the nature of jobs and the way people were
supported.
6 in 10 Visually Impaired people don’t go
out on their own;
- Emotional support is not available. They are
told “someone will be in touch” but they wait for years for someone
to visit.
- There are not enough staff in Health and
Social Services.
- Early diagnosis, good rehabilitation and
support can make a real difference. Low Visions Aids help give motivation and
optimisim.
- Long term support and rehabilitation will
save money. Residential and Nursing care is the biggest budget in Social Work.
NHS is spending 25 million on rehabilitation and prevention.
Blind and Visually Impaired people must be
involved from the outset,
- to help determine needs
- they are in the best position to assess
different services
- most providers of health and Social Care
Services have not been trained in Visual Impairment awareness which makes it
all the more important to consult Visually Impaired people on their
experiences.
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