1. Updating the Certificate of Vision Impairment and revising the Explanatory Notes

2. The aim is to make the CVI process more effective to ensure that people who are newly certified as sight impaired or severely sight impaired receive the support they need as soon as possible

3. Updating the CVI/Revising the ENs
Examined updated CVI forms for Wales and Scotland and existing form for England
Presentations and discussions on draft documents with the ADASS PSI Network
Discussion on draft documents with colleagues at the VISION 2020 Certificate of Vision Impairment Round Table event
Consideration at The RCOphth Professional Standards Committee and Paediatric sub-committee
Presentation and discussion with 70 ECLOs

4. Main proposed changes Updating outdated and incorrect information
Making it more relevant to adults and children
Re-writing ‘Information for patients’
Omitting work test and re-defining visual disability in terms of level of visual acuity and visual field deficit

5. Consultation and suggested amendments
Public consultation between 16 November 2016 and 3 January 2017
General changes to make form more accessible
Amending contact details etc.
Part 1 of NHS accessible information standard
Less impersonal and more positive
Patient consent
Further improving information sheet for patients

6. Proposed key messages
Emphasising that the most important function of the CVI is to ensure that those diagnosed with permanent vision loss are put in contact with sources of help.
Ensuring full completion and the need to send it to the person’s local council in a timely manner so they can support them in the most appropriate way
Highlighting the importance of the role of ECLOs
Highlighting that registration can be a positive step to help a person to be as independent as possible
Highlighting that there is a range of support available to people from the voluntary sector

7. Next Steps Updated CVI form and Explanatory Notes in final draft
Seeking Ministerial approval post Election
Finalising a Communications Plan
Examining how the information booklet can be disseminated to every person certified in England