Coming to terms with sight loss is not easy and for many people being told they have a sight problem causes a range of different emotions. There are feelings of panic, anger, frustration, loss of confidence and fear of losing independence.
The Low Vision Centre exists to help, support and give information that will increase independence and self-confidence.
The Low Vision Centre team works with individuals to enable them to get the help they need by looking at their everyday needs and difficulties.
The Low Vision Centre offers:
- A place where emotional and practical support is given
- Access to benefits advice
- Specialist equipment including magnifiers and electronic reading aids
- Information sessions
- Access to audio services
- Support groups for those with macular degeneration and those whose sight has been affected by a stroke
There is also an important link with the Eye Clinic at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO).
The ECLO plays a key role, offering support to patients and providing a link between ophthalmic services and N-Vision’s range of services.
The Centre’s services are available to anyone with reduced vision including their families and carers and professionals who need further information regarding sight loss.
For more information and to discuss any aspect of sight loss please call 01253 362696 or email maria@nvision-nw.co.uk
The Low Vision Scheme (LVA)
You may have left the eye clinic at the hospital having been told that nothing more can be done for your eyes. It is vitally important that you still attend the Optometrist for regular eye checks.This scheme has been set up by the local authority and is available to anyone who cannot manage to read print with prescription glasses, and who may benefit from extra help with magnification.
Optometrists on the scheme
Attached is a list of Optometrists in our area who participate in the scheme. You can still visit your own Optometrist for your regular eye checks if you wish but if they don’t appear on the list you can also go to one on the LVA scheme to choose a magnifier that may help you.
What will they do?
Your Optometrist will do an assessment of your vision and if they feel that you may benefit from a little extra help with a magnifier they will issue one on free loan for as long as you need it.After a short while they will give you a phone call to see how you are managing with it and offer an alternative if necessary. They will then pass your details to myself here at the Low Vision Centre, Blackpool Blind Society, to continue the follow up.
My name is Brian Casey and I am the Low Vision Worker.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any queries on: Tel: 01253 362696
Optometrists on the LVA Scheme – Blackpool
Steve Woodhouse
62-64 Highfield road, Blackpool, FY4 2JF,
Tel: 341955
No wheelchair access
1 step at front doorPeter Anthony
9 Waterfoot Avenue, Blackpool, FY3 8DB
Tel: 391535
Wheelchair access
Parking at front
Home visits available if houseboundD & V Pellowe
191 Preston New Rd, Blackpool, FY3 9TN
Tel: 697385
No wheelchair access
Home visits available if houseboundWooding Opticians
101A Redbank Rd, Bispham, FY2 9HZ
Tel: 353423
Optometrists on the LVA Scheme – Fylde
St Annes on Sea
Cottam & Glaister
38 The Square, St Annes, FY8 1RF,
Tel: 723866
Wheelchair accessClaire Hindmarch
17 St Andrews Road South, St Annes, FY8 1SX
Tel: 729988
Wheelchair access
Lytham
Gary Hardwick
27 Park Street, Lytham, FY8 5LU
Tel: 794522
No wheelchair access
Freckleton
D M Hyde
71 Lytham Road, Freckleton, PR4 1AB
Tel: 01772 635791
Wheelchair access
Optometrists on the LVA Scheme – Wyre
Cleveleys
Gary Hardwick
16 Rossall Road, Cleveleys, FY5 1AP
Tel: 853030
Wheelchair accessRoberts & Quinn
3 Brighton Avenue, Cleveleys, FY5 2AA
Tel: 869594
Wheelchair access
Fleetwood
Knott End
