SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 The Role of SeeAbility in Improving eye care Martin Thomas – Manager SeeAbility’s Information and Advisory Services

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 About SeeAbility

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 National charity established 1799 as Royal School for the Blind Recognised expertise in supporting people with sight loss and multiple / additional disability Providing Community, Residential and Day Services for people with sight loss and multiple or additional disabilities in the south and south- west of England. Providing information, advice, training and consultancy about eye care and health for people with learning disabilities.

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 Defining Learning Disability To varying and significant degrees…. “The person will have difficulties understanding and learning new things, and in generalising any learning to new situations, as well as having difficulties with social tasks, for example, communication, self care, awareness of health and safety”. British Institute of Learning Disabilities (bild)

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 The impact of unnoticed or undiagnosed sight problems exacerbates and worsens the impact of a person’s learning disability. It further impairs the person’s ability to reach their potential and meet their hopes and aspirations.

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 SeeAbility’s eye 2 eye Campaign Launched 2005 Transforming eye care for people with learning disabilities Providing information, advice and support for people with learning disabilities, their families and carers, eye care professionals and health and social services staff.

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 The broad aims of eye 2 eye Improve and increase accessible, regular and effective eye care for people with learning disabilities Support eye care professionals to provide accessible and effective services Enhance the quality of life for people with learning disabilities when a sight problem has been identified

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 eye 2 eye (2) Influence local and central government policy on eye care and vision for people with learning disabilities Provide Look Up Information Service: a web based resource for eye care professionals and those who support people who have learning disabilities Support social care and health professionals to develop better services for people with learning disabilities

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 A national approach Information and Advisory team in North, Midlands and London /South East Working with Commissioners Working with Professional Bodies and policy makers Working directly with People with Learning disabilities (Look Here events) Providing Training and Consultancy Providing free information resources via website

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 January ‘myeyecare’ replaces look up

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 MY EYE CARE EASY READ INFORMATION Eye health Eye test Wearing Glasses Eye condition Eye operations Films

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 Eye care hub Factsheets and Resources (FVA, optometry forms etc) Easy read Information for carers and supporters Training and consultancy Optometrist data base eye 2 eye campaign and research

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility research published Public Health Messages

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility times more likely.

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 Look Here Events Talking about our eye care

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 Overcoming Barriers SeeAbility’s Information and Advisory Team works with stake holders to overcome inequalities along the eye care journey….

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 Overcoming barriers Health care Eye tests Wearing glasses Surgery Registration Low vision Rehabilitation

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 Reasonable Adjustments Access issues – ramps, rails, good colour contrast etc, adjustable seating for equipment – Clear unambiguous signage (directional / facilities etc) Accessible information re: –Eligibility –Costs –Procedures –Outcomes Staff training (diversity and ‘values’, LD aware/ deaf aware etc)

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 Reasonable Adjustment Communication techniques – makaton, BSL Adapted treatments and practice techniques (such as Kay picture, Cardiff cards) Advice on desensitisation techniques to prepare for eye test) Extended treatment times, pre visits, specific appointment times

SeeAbilityis the operating name of the Royal School for the Blind. Registered Charity No © SeeAbility 2011 Contact Details Martin Thomas Manager Information and Advisory Service Tel: Mobile: Paula Spinks – Chamberlain Director of Information and Advisory Services Tel :