RNIB is contracted by Isle of Man Social Services to provide a Rehabilitation Service, Resource Centre/Information Bureau, a Low Vision Service and an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer located at Nobles Hospital Eye Clinic for people with serious sight loss in the Isle of Man.
The Rehabilitation Service can be found at Manx Blind Welfare Society, Corrin Court, Onchan.
The service includes:
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Support and information on eye conditions and advice on the visual impairment registration process.
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Daily living skills, communication and mobility training and advice on specialist equipment for people with serious sight loss.
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Informing individuals of benefit entitlements and assisting them in applying for relevant benefits and allowances.
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Information on a range of voluntary and statutory services and onward referral where appropriate and agreed.
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Inclusion in multidisciplinary assessments ensuring the needs of people with serious sight loss are assessed and supported.
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Working with organisations in the voluntary, health and statutory sectors to improve services for people with sight loss.
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Advice on the removal of physical barriers within the built environment to improve access for people with sight problems.
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Information and support on issues or campaigns relevant to people with sight loss.
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Visual awareness training for individuals who work with or provide services for blind or partially sighted people.
Isle of Man Resource Centre
The resource centre is based at Corrin Court. It is open daily from 10.00am until 4.00pm Monday to Friday and at other times by arrangement.
Our Resource Centre Worker is available to offer support and information on issues of interest or concern to people with serious sight loss and can offer the following services:
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Demonstration of and guidance on the full range of RNIB equipment, games, mobility and low vision aids.
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Advice on the registration process and associated services.
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Provision of a range of leaflets and literature on various eye conditions and details of associated organisations and societies.
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Group visits to the resource centre and provision of visual awareness training to individuals working with or providing services to people with serious sight loss.
Low Vision Service
If any resident of the Isle of Man is finding it hard to see things clearly, even after having had their eyes tested and are wearing the right spectacles or contact lenses, they may have low vision.
The Low Vision Service provides the opportunity for individuals to have an assessment of their eyesight. Low vision aids may be provided to help with tasks such as reading, watching television or finding their way around out of doors.
Individuals may not need any of the above, but could benefit from advice regarding the best use of their vision or advice on improving lighting levels within their homes.
Who you will see
The first part of the assessment will be with an optometrist (optician) specialising in low vision.
The optometrist will be able to assess vision and may provide a new prescription for current spectacles or loan a magnifying glass or other low vision aid to help with specific tasks.
If people are provided with an aid, they will be shown how to use it correctly.
Individuals will then be seen by a low vision therapist who will be able to offer information relating to specific eye conditions, advice on use of the low vision aid and help with maximising vision. This may require a follow-up home visit.
A rehabilitation officer is also available should you need any help or advice in managing every day living tasks. Information may also be provided about benefits or allowances if appropriate to help maximise income.
Referral to the Low Vision Service is currently only available through a consultant ophthalmologist. However if you want to discuss any concerns or would like to know more about the service, you can contact us here at Corrin Court.
Contact us
Julie Lee
RNIB Senior Rehabilitation Officer
t: 016 2467 7626
Mobile: 076 2448 0964
Stephen Ellis-Pearson
RNIB Eye Clinic Liaison Officer / Rehabilitation Officer
t: 016 2465 0420 (Eye Clinic contact no.)
Mobile: 076 2430 8545
Carole White
RNIB Resource Centre Worker / Low Vision Therapist
t: 016 2467 7626
Eva Gay
RNIB Resource Centre Administrator
t: 016 2467 7626
Address:
RNIB Isle of Man
Corrin Court
Heywood Avenue
Onchan
Isle of Man
IM3 3AP
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