Description
Low-Vision Training at The Partially Sighted Society
Our hands-on low vision training days will cover all the competencies for Student Dispensing Opticians and Pre Reg Optometrists
Day 1 – Vision Awareness Training and Introduction to the PSS (Partially Sighted Society)
Start 10.00 a.m. : – Welcome refreshments with a short introduction to the team and services offered by the PSS.
10.30 – 12.45: Visual Impairment Awareness Training
- Statistics and demographics of sight loss in the UK.
- Causes of visual impairment – both the common and uncommon causes of sight loss that present in a low vision service
- Functional difficulties of various sight impairments – wearing sight loss simulators you will undertake a variety of tasks to gain a greater understanding of the functional difficulties of the effects of sight loss.
- Sighted Guide– Learn how to safely guide your low vision patient
- Psychological effects of sight loss and the importance of observation
1.45 – 1.30: Lunch
1.30 – 4.00: Optical, technology and non-optical aids and equipment familiarisation
Day 2 – Practical low vision assessment and dispense of low vision aid led by experienced Low Vision optometrist
9.30 – 3.30 A minimum of 4 visually impaired patients will be available for assessment with an opportunity to dispense a low vision aid
3.30 – 4.30 De-brief, review and discussion
The course will include follow up support via the low vision chat group led by our experienced Low Vision Specialist
Cost: £198.00 (incl VAT)
PSSOptom –
FROM HR – Pre registration Optometrist
A huge thank you to Gary, Anita , and the entire PSS team for making these two days so insightful and inspiring!
This training was truly eye-opening—literally! Having the chance to work with and assist SI/SSI patients and witness firsthand the impact of low vision aids on these patients was powerful. It took me back to the first ever patient I tested at university who had Retinitis Pigmentosa. This patient really struggled with mobility and had tunnel vision, I had to guide them to my testing room with their hand on my shoulder and I thought to myself how difficult it is for them to move about. Back then, I didn’t fully realise the incredible support available from charities like PSS, dedicated to empowering those with visual impairments through their amazing charitable work.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the PSS team and would like to thank them for a phenomenal experience, their dedication is truly inspiring. I’d highly recommend this course to Dispensing Opticians, Pre-reg Optoms, and Optometrists. It has truly levelled up my Low Vision knowledge, both for testing room adaptations and in understanding the resources available.
PSSOptom –
From MBA – Pre registration Optometrist March 25
I was fortunate to visit The Partially Sighted Society, a charity which enhances the quality of life for those with sight loss, promoting independence, accessibility and social inclusion.
Over the 2 days I saw the pragmatic approach taken to support those with sight impairments.
From a clinical perspective I undertook Low vision assessments alongside Gary Flack. Numerous low vision aids were dispened to assist visually impaired patients engaging with their hobbies more easily, allowing them to enjoy activities such as reading, crafting and using technology with greater independence.
From a psycological perspective I spent time with the onsite therapist who helps patients overcome the psychological impact of sight loss. Often the consequences are profound with patients struggling to maintain their confidence, sense of identity and mental well being. 1:1 sessions online, in person and over the phone are provided to help patients navigate these challenges and improve their overall wellbeing.
From a social perspective I saw a community of sight impaired patients spending time together in their coffee mornings. They offered each other support, companionship and shared experiences which reflected a strong sense of belonging.
From a technological perspective, the lead of technology Shaun Fowler provided education about the range of apps and settings available on devices. These improve accessibility to help sight impaired individuals use these devices wether it be for leisure or learning.
In addition, Habeeb Rahman and myself had to spend time wearing simulators of eye diseases such as AMD and end stage Glaucoma. Here I experienced the physical impact of being sight impaired which made everyday tasks such as navigating around a building very difficult. This was a unique way of developing one’s empathy.
Thank you to the team The Partially Sighted Society