The document discusses vision rehabilitation in England and raising its standard. It provides statistics on the number of people living with sight loss in the UK and outlines RNIB's priorities of being there, independence, inclusion and prevention for blind and partially sighted people. Vision rehabilitation gives skills and confidence to live independently and safely through working with rehabilitation workers. While need is increasing, rehabilitation budgets and workforce have decreased. The presentation aims to explain vision rehabilitation, share good practice principles, and advocate for early intervention and a vision for the future where all receive needed support.

1. 1
Raising the standard of Vision
Rehabilitation in England
Josh Feehan and Simmone Miller, Evidence and
Service Impact Team, Royal National Institute of
Blind People (RNIB)
Rehabilitation International World Congress
26 October 2016

2. How many people are living with sight loss in the
UK?
• There are over 2 million people living with sight loss
• 20% over 75 years old
• 30% over 80 years old
• 50% over 90 years old
2

3. RNIB – Our Priorities
• We are the leading charity for blind and partially sighted
people in the UK.
• Our work is built on 4 key priorities:
1. Being there
2. Independence
3. Inclusion
4. Prevention
3

4. What we do at RNIB?
• Partnership working with key stakeholders e.g.
Specsavers
• RNIB Connect
• Campaigning for change
• Sight Loss Advisors
4

5. 5
Purpose of presentation
• Explain what is vision rehabilitation
• Role of Rehabilitation Worker
• Raise awareness of vision rehabilitation
• Benefits of vision rehabilitation to blind and partially
sighted people
• Share what good practice looks like in vision rehabilitation
• Consider the vital role of local vision rehabilitation services

6. What is Vision Rehabilitation?
• Crucial part of the sight loss journey
• Rehabilitation Worker
• Vision rehabilitation gives blind and partially sighted
people the skills and confidence to:
• Live more safely and independently at home
• Travel independently including safely crossing roads
• Utilise technology including smart phones
• Remain in employment
6

7. Need for sustainable Vision Rehabilitation
• Prevalence of sight loss in older people
• 2% growth in certifications
• 23% (1.3 million) increase in ophthalmic appointments
• 1 in 5 blind or partially sighted people unable to access
Social Care services (My Voice)
• Rehabilitation budgets reduced by 15%
• Only 46% referred on to vision rehabilitation services
• Decrease in vision rehabilitation workforce
7

8. Principles of Good Practice
 Built on existing evidence
 Extensive consultation with over 130 professionals and
blind and partially sighted people
 What do the principles cover?
 Who are they for?
 Where to find the principles
8

9. 10 Principles of Good Practice in Vision
Rehabilitation
9

10. Early Intervention and Rehabilitation Project
• Department of Health funded
• 3 year programme
• 3 key objectives
• Programme activities
• National campaign – See, Plan and Provide
10

11. Vision for the future
• 10 Principles of Good Practice to influence service
practice
• All blind and partially sighted people to be aware of the
benefits of vision rehabilitation
• To be empowered to ask for the support they need to
have a better quality of life
11

12. 10 Good Practice Principles: ww.rnib.org.uk/rehabprinciples
See, plan and provide campaign: www.rnib.org.uk/’see-and-
plan’
Get in touch:
Joshua.feehan@rnib.org.uk
Simmone.miller@rnib.org.uk
Thank you for listening
12
Further information