A new centre has opened in Brighton bringing together for the first time clinical diagnosis and social care support, as well as training and advice to help people with low vision maintain their independence.
The low vision centre has a fully fitted training kitchen for rehabilitation work. Here people can be given practical ideas and advice on how to continue living independently and training on the ways in which to make the most of their remaining sight. For example, people with low vision can safely make a cup of tea using a liquid level indicator – a gadget that emits a sound when a container is nearly full of hot liquid.
Pioneering real partnership working, the centre was chosen for a special Department of Health pilot grant. The successful integrated working across NHS, council, private, community and voluntary organisations will be shared with professionals throughout the UK.
The centre was opened on Friday 14 July by Andrew Kent, Director of the national NHS eye care service programme.