Low Vision Aids / Developmental Vision Clinic

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  • Low Vision Aid assessments are usually carried out by an Optometrist. They will assess your child’s needs and provide magnification as necessary.
  • Optical low vision aids provide magnification either for near or distance tasks e.g. reading or looking at the white board. These are usually hand held devices but can be mounted on spectacles.
  • Optical aids are usually supplied on loan from a hospital and exchanged if they are no longer appropriate. Your child should receive a regular check with the hospital Optometrist to ensure that their low visual aids are up to date.
  • Non-Optical aids such as lighting adaptations and desk props should be discussed.
  • Electronic Aids may be provided by the Local Education Authority.
  • Children should be assessed before they start school – some children may benefit from a simple aid as early as 3 years old.
  • Great Ormond Street Hospital run a . It is a specialist clinic for children with visual disorders and impairment and provides assessment of the child’s functional vision (how the child is able to use their vision in everyday life) and their development, and links this with practical recommendations to help the child at home or school. Specialist help can play an important role in preventing or overcoming difficulties and delays and in enhancing the child’s potential.
  • The team developed the , which is available to all parents who have a child with visual impairment under the age of three years.