Seeing it my way is an initiative to ensure that every blind and partially sighted person, regardless of age, ethnicity, extent of sight loss, other disabilities, or location across the UK, has access to the same range of information and support.
Living with little or no sight requires access to a range of information and support from a number of services, such as social services and voluntary sector organisations in order to live independently.
This includes information in a format that people can read, rehabilitation for people who lose their sight so they can gain the skills and confidence to carry out day-to-day tasks and get around easily.
Seeing it my way sets out a range of outcomes, that is specific changes that blind and partially sighted people have told us are most important to them and want to make a reality.
The purpose of 'Seeing it my way' is to drive how services are delivered to ensure that blind and partially sighted people benefit from these outcomes.
Supported by blind and partially sighted people
Developed by blind and partially sighted people, Seeing it my way is embedded in the work of the UK Vision Strategy, a partnership of organisations formed to transform eye health and sight loss services.
In the autumn of 2011, we asked blind and partially sighted people to support the development of these outcomes for Seeing it my way, so that it would have real authority in the years to come with commissioners of services.
A total of 1,182 individuals responded via post, telephone and internet, or by taking part in a discussion group. Almost every person who responded endorsed these outcomes.
We took on board the feedback that blind and partially sighted people gave us and amended the outcomes to reflect what people told us.
Summary of Seeing it my way outcomes
Seeing it my way has 10 outcomes. All the outcomes are equal in value and are not listed in any order of priority.
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That I understand my eye condition and the registration process
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That I have someone to talk to
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That I can look after myself, my health, my home and my family
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That I receive statutory benefits and information and support that I need
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That I can make the best use of the sight I have
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That I can access information making the most of the advantages that technology brings
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That I can get out and about
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That I have the tools, skills and confidence to communicate
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That I have equal access to education and life long learning
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That I can work and volunteer.
Seeing it my way outcomes (Word, 58KB)
What local authorities can do next
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Work with local commissioning and provider partners (including health, voluntary sector and public health), so that together you can assess local eye health and sight loss services and deliver a joint plan for improvement. More information on the UK Vision Strategy website.
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When preparing your Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), use the UK Vision Strategy JSNA template at commissioningforeyecare.org.uk to help you to understand the eye health needs of your local population and what support is needed for those with sight loss.
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Regularly review the impact and quality of your services by asking blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers whether they think the Seeing it my way outcomes are being delivered and what areas still need improvement.