Thanks to generous donations into our Eye Department Fund, Low Vision Practitioners at CHFT were able to secure funding to organise a Low Vision training day, delivered by OutLookers.
The training aims were to understand how individuals with visual impairment can make use of technology, such as apps and settings on smart phones. With the increasing use of technology, more service users are enquiring how to make the most of their smart phones to help maintain their independence.
By training Low Vision Practitioners in giving this practical advice to service users, it will create a more streamlined care pathway by removing the need to contact a third party for this advice. Some service users are casually impaired, and many have mobility issues or have to rely on public transport, it would be highly beneficial to them to obtain this advice in one place.
There is an ongoing review of the Low Vision Service in North Kirklees, led by feedback from service users. This highlighted that they want a 'one stop shop', by learning this new skill, this would go a long way towards a 'one stop shop'.
Laura Charlesworth, Advanced Orthoptist at CHFT, said: "It was great to receive the training to show us how to make best use of mobile devices for those with visual impairment. As Low Vision Practitioners, this advice was invaluable and will be demonstrated by us to our patients who struggle with their vision on a very regular basis.
"We have shared this learning to many patients already, with all being very pleased as a service user. One gentleman is of working age and this advice/help can potentially give him his independence back.
"By having this training, we feel that we are contributing to our vision of making our low vision service a 'one stop shop', so that visually impaired patients are getting as many of the services they need under one roof!"
Thanks to your support, patients are able to obtain impactful information and continue to live their lives - you have helped to make amazing happen!
