Low Vision

What are low vision aids?

Low vision aids are things that can help you make the most of the sight that you have. They include handheld, stand and pocket magnifiers; wearable ‘hands-free’ magnifying glasses; and polarised glasses which reduce glare to enhance your vision.

Why do I need a low vision assessment?

Low vision aids are not a one size fits all solution, so it is important that you have an assessment to get the right equipment for you. Typically there are three stages to your assessment with our low vision specialist:

• A discussion about what activities you enjoy, those you find difficult and what tasks you need more help with.
• An assessment to establish your reading vision, your distance vision and how glare and light affects your vision. If you currently wear prescription glasses, you will be asked to bring these to the appointment to help with this assessment.
• A chance to try different aids to find out which ones are best for you, followed by training in how to use the equipment, and how to look after it.

How do I book a low vision assessment?

To book your free NHS low vision assessment you need to ask your optician, eye consultant or GP for a referral – we can’t book your appointment without one.

How to get a referral

• Arrange an eye test with an optician and ask them to refer you to our low vision service.
• If your last eye test was less than 12 months ago you can call your optician and ask them to make the referral without the need for a further eye test.
• If you are a patient at the hospital within Ophthalmology, you can ask your consultant  to refer you.

If you have any problems, please contact us.

Clinic details

We hold clinics at our Sight Centre in Truro as well as regular clinics across Cornwall to make it easier for you to attend. You will automatically be offered an appointment at your closest clinic, but you will have the option to attend a different location if you prefer.

Our current clinic locations are:

• Helston
• Penzance
• Redruth
• St Austell
• Truro
• Wadebridge

We also hold special one-off clinics in other areas to meet demand. Other options are available to those who are housebound.

How much does it cost?

We provide this service on behalf of the NHS so you will not be charged for your appointment or for the low vision aids you take away with you. We just ask that when you no longer need the aids, you return them to us so that they can be reused.

In exceptional circumstances we can offer a home visit, and there is a £25 charge for this service.

Replacement magnifier service

If you have received magnifiers or other low vision aids through our service that need replacing, you can call us for a free replacement without needing an appointment. Just call us with your name, address and details of the magnifier and we will post out a replacement free of charge.