Low Vision Services

The National Assembly Government in Wales has funded the implementation of an all Wales Low Vision Service as part of the Welsh Eye Care Initiative. The new service, which opened its doors in the summer of 2004, is based in optometry practices and exists alongside established services in secondary care. A primary care low vision scheme in the UK is by no means unique. Indeed there have been examples around for over a decade. However, what is new, and perhaps revolutionary, about the Welsh Low Vision Service is the scale on which it operates. In the first year nearly 2500 people from all over Wales had a low vision assessment in a community practice. We currently run clinics in our practices on a monthly basis.

How the service works

• The service works closely with ophthalmologists, social services, education and the voluntary sector. Referrals into the service are accepted from a range of professionals and from individuals themselves; 
• The Service is provided free of charge to patients who meet the entry criteria
• Visual aids are provided free of charge on a “life loan basis” by the Welsh Assembly Government
• Patients can self refer and can ask any of our Optometrists whether they would be suitable for assessment

Some of the Visual Aids available to patients free of charge