Visual impairment support
Eye tests
It is important everyone has regular eye tests, especially if you have concerns about your eyes. You can find a local optician on the NHS website (external link).
If you are unable to travel to an optician, it is possible to request an eye test at home. Housing Care has provided a list of opticians that offer Home Eye tests (external link)
Blindness and visual impairment support
Experiencing a sight loss can result in every day tasks such as cooking, reading, going out and working, becoming quite difficult. The Visual Impairment Service assesses the needs of people with a long term or permanent visual impairment, or who have a dual sensory loss (both a sight loss and a hearing loss). Following the assessment of needs the following services may be provided:
- Loan or advice about equipment
- adaptations
- mobility training
- independent living skills training
- advice on a range of specialist services for visually impaired people
The team manages registration of visual impairment. You must be certified by an ophthalmologist, usually at a hospital. They will send a form to us so we can register you.
To request further help or advice, please contact:
Telephone
020 8489 1400
Opening hours
9am-5pm Monday to Friday
Get a low vision assessment at the RNIB Low Vision Centre
The RNIB Low Vision Centre provides low vision assessments.
They can give information about sight loss, advise on adaptations and provide low visual aids.
They will tell you about other organisations who can to help you adapt and lead independent and fulfilling lives. This may include:
- rehabilitation services
- emotional support
- living with sight loss
- leisure activities
You do not need to be already registered as blind or partially sighted to have a low vision assessment.
To find out more and book an appointment, call 020 7391 2241.
Attention: driving licence holders
In accordance with the advice shown on the driving licence, any driver with impaired vision should inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), who will consider each case on an individual basis.
Contact the DVLA on Tel No: 0870 600 0301.
If you have difficulties in relation to these matters, you can contact:
- Haringey Citizens Advice Bureaux (external link) - Tel: 0808 278 7966
- Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) helpline (external link) - Tel: 0303 123 9999
- Haringey Phoenix Group working with and for blind and partially sighted adults (external link) - Tel: 020 8889 7070