RNIB issue advice on low energy bulbs

The RNIB is due to release a briefing for partially sighted, blind and elderly people about the use of energy saving light bulbs, known as Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) which will help optometrists provide appropriate guidance to patients, Optician has learned.

A spokesman for the RNIB told Optician this week said the briefing will also serve as advice for optometrists on how to go about instructing patients on the sensible use of CFLs. He added that any optometrists requiring further guidance will be able to contact the RNIB's low vision team.

The briefing is the result of a recent meeting between the RNIB and the Department of the Environment to discuss issues arising from the Secretary of State for the Environment, Hilary Benn's announcement last September that filament bulbs would be phased out from January 2009. The RNIB raised a number of concerns that affected partially sighted, blind or elderly people including CFLs not coming on quickly enough, not producing sufficient light until they've warmed up, not being dimmable as well as the creamy colour and lower intensity of the light they produce.