1. One form bad - three forms good?
The introduction of the LVI, RVI and CVI
Carl Freeman - National Development Advisor (Social Services and Rehabilitation)

2. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton
Workshop overview
The need for change
Overview of the new system and its implications
Current state of play
Questions - welcome at any stage
Discussion - sharing experiences.
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

3. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton
What were the problems?
Linear (and long ) identification process
Optician - GP - Eye Clinic - BD8 - Social Services - Support
Help often needed before registration
Terminology not always helpful - particularly label of “blind”
Majority remained unregistered
limited value in planning terms
Emotional impact often unrecognised.
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

4. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton
A snake with one ladder
BD8
© Richard Cox
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

5. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton
Dept of Health review
Review October August 2002
Examined how people with failing sight are identified & access help & support
Review group made up of voluntary, professional & statutory bodies
Articles in journals, open consultation via government website.
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

6. 3 documents for timely referral
LVI - issued by high street opticians
RVI - issued by eye clinic staff
CVI - issued by ophthalmologists
3 ways to access social care.
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

7. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton
LVI
Self-referral letter issued by optometrists to people with uncorrectable sight loss
Developed locally based on national template containing:
information and details of how to obtain social care assessment and/or support
onus on individual to send in the form.
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

8. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton
RVI
Referral for social care assessment from the eye clinic – not dependent on eligibility or “willingness” to register
Includes comment on “urgency” of required response
Can be completed by anyone working in the eye clinic (with patient’s consent).
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

9. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton
CVI
Certificate of eligibility to be registered – akin to current BD8 and must be signed by consultant ophthalmologist
Also acts as “backstop” social care referral if LVI or RVI not previously issued
informs central statistics collection with tick boxes for common eye conditions.
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

10. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton
Snake with 3 ladders
LVI
RVI
CVI
© Richard Cox
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

11. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton
New terminology
“Sight Impaired / Partially Sighted”
“Severely Sight Impaired / Blind”
More “inclusive” and less misleading
No opportunity to change the underlying legislation
So two basic categories remain.
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

12. Implementation update
Slow start
Transition phase with BD8s still around
Some opposition
Some enthusiasm
No going back
Review period extended - 30/06/04.
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

13. Main implications for users
Potential for:
improved “patient pathway”
more timely support
availability of help prior to registration
But may lead to:
Unmet expectations of social care
less incentive to register?
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

14. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton
Role of SSDs
Become fully briefed on the system
Talk to the other stakeholders
Local societies to include their details on the LVI and Eye clinics to “localise” the RVI & CVI
LOCs (Optometrists) re: arrangements for distributing the letter
Train their staff (& eye clinic staff?).
Print & distribute LVI – SSD responsibility
Prepare for monitoring (Autumn DIS 2004)
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

15. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton
Where to find out more
Additional background material on the new system & FAQS.
Also has a direct link to (very long) Dept of health website address…….
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

16. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton
Discussion
I am happy to take and answer questions and clarify issues covered
I can be contacted at:
over to you……...
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

17. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton
More info
LVI
RVI
CVI
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

18. Carl Freeman - 5 May 2004 - SCA Conference Wolverhamton

19. National registration card
Concept originated in ADSS sensory sub committee 1997/98
Funding for research from Persula Foundation
Further funding 2004 to go towards implementation
Card formally “launched” 24/03/04.
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

20. National registration card
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton

21. National registration card
Linked to PinS & new reg system
Starter pack going out next week (English authorities)
300 blank cards
600 labels
guidance notes.
Carl Freeman - 5 May SCA Conference Wolverhamton