The survey
In 2004/5 RNIB and the AMD Alliance UK conducted a survey of low vision service providers and PCTs to obtain an up-to-date picture of low vision and rehabilitation services in the UK. The focus of the survey was on the type and range of services provided, the level of co-operation between providers and how they perceive the quality of services in their area.
Our new report 'A question of independence' describes the findings of the survey of low vision service providers and primary care organisation in the UK
Main results
The initial analysis of the data points to four major conclusions:
Funding
Lack of funding is a main reason given by potential services providers of why they do not provide a low vision service. 30 per cent gave this as their reason for not providing services. Optometry/opticians practices are most likely to give this response suggesting that moves to increase their involvement in the provision of low vision services may be successful as long as funding is seen to be adequate.
Advertising of existing services
It is a considerable weakness of low vision services provision that people generally need to be "in the system" to gain knowledge of available services. Only 18 per cent of providers advertise their services via GP surgeries even though this would be the best way to ensure that awareness about services amongst the general public can filter down to those in need.
Interagency working
There are strong links between the main providers of services (Social Services, hospitals, local societies). However, the low level of links with counsellors amongst services providers who do not offer counselling services suggests that too many providers continue to neglect the important emotional impact of sight loss.
Quality of services
Whilst it is encouraging to see that one third of respondents to the survey feel that the services in their area are good or very good this leaves two thirds of providers judging the services in their area as merely satisfactory, less than satisfactory or even unsatisfactory. Proper audits, involving providers, funders and service users and using a fixed set of criteria should be carried out to reveal why services are unsatisfactory, i.e. whether there is an issue of sub-standard services quality because of lack of co-operation between agencies, lack of qualified staff, underestimated need, etc. or whether it is merely a funding problem, ie service providers are competent but need more funding to improve their reach.
Our report 'A question of independence' is available to download in Word or PDF or contact Camapaigns by telephone on 0207 391 2302 for copies in large print, Braille or on tape.