Report of engagement with people with vision impairment

Healthwatch Worcestershire undertook research on the experiences of people living with vision impairment in Worcestershire. They spoke to 55 people with vision impairments through focus groups and discussions between October 2023 and February 2024, and worked with local organisations including Sight Concern Worcestershire, the Macular Society and Worcestershire Sight Loss Council to verify findings and develop recommendations. 

The report found significant variation in people’s experiences of diagnosis, registration and support. Some people reported receiving clear information, compassionate communication and timely support, while others described insensitive delivery of diagnoses, little information about what would happen next and difficulty understanding the registration process. Many participants felt unsupported following diagnosis, and local organisations highlighted the absence of an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer role in Worcestershire, which they felt left people without sufficient support at a critical time.

Access to health and care services and information was a major concern. People reported difficulties booking ophthalmology appointments, cancelled appointments without accessible notice, inaccessible letters and online systems, and a lack of awareness among some staff about how to support people with vision impairments. Many also described barriers in daily life, including limited awareness of available support services, inconsistencies in rehabilitation provision and difficulties accessing information in formats they could use. Some people felt excluded as services increasingly moved online while accessible alternatives remained limited. 

Healthwatch Worcestershire concluded that people with vision impairments often feel overlooked and face avoidable barriers when accessing health and care services. The report recommended stronger leadership and accountability for vision impairment services, consistent implementation of the Accessible Information Standard, improved access to information in a range of formats, introduction of an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer role, streamlined registration processes, sufficient capacity within sensory impairment services and vision awareness training for frontline health and social care staff.