Initiative supports UK low-vision population

Quicker access to low-vision assessment and support for the two million people in the UK living with sight loss is the goal of the community optical pathway launched by the Local Optical Committee Support Unit (LOCSU).

The training and support was developed by looking at existing services and researching successful schemes operated by optometrists and dispensing opticians.

Research showed that, after the first year of certification, 44 per cent of working age people and 55 per cent of those over retirement age had no access to low-vision services.

In its report, Community Optical Pathway for an Adult Low Vision Enhanced Service, LOCSU suggested that, as the population aged, this problem would only increase. The aim is to allow those with wet macular degeneration or glaucoma to access services closer to home.