CCEHC survey highlights need for low vision services review

22 July 2021

The Clinical Council for Eye Health Commissioning (CCEHC) which represents the major clinical professions and sight loss charity organisations in the eye-care sector, has conducted a survey on the commissioning and provision of low vision assessment services in England.

The survey was conducted for five weeks from 5th April 2021 to gain an understanding of the impact of the pandemic on low vision assessment services between April 2020 – March 2021. The survey showed that prior to the pandemic, there was variation in the use of service specifications, protocols and thresholds for low vision assessment.  Since the pandemic service provision has been challenging, with deployed clinical staff, patients and some practitioners shielding, and lower clinic numbers to maintain distancing. This has been associated with a significant fall in certifications of visual impairment during lockdown periods.

The full press release can be found here.

The detailed survey findings can be found here.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is a member of the CCEHC.

The RCOphth recently launched the Ophthalmic Services Guidance: Low Vision: the essential guide for ophthalmologists

We are grateful to the authors: Dr Anne Sinclair, Professor Barbara Ryan, Professor Jonathan Jackson & Dr Maggie Woodhouse