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RNIB Low Vision Centre

(Formerly known as Low Vision Centre)

If you find it hard to see things clearly, even after you’ve had your eyes tested and are wearing the right glasses or contact lenses a low vision assessment may help you to make the most of your vision.

You may have been told that there is nothing that can be done to improve the medical condition of your eyes. However, there may be a lot that you can do to improve the way you use the sight that you have.

The staff at the Low Vision Centre can advise and help you make the most of your vision. The centre is part of the Camden and Islington Sensory Needs Service working closely with the vision rehabilitation specialists at social services.

The assessment is carried out by a specialist optometrist (optician) will be able to assess your vision and prescribe, if necessary, glasses, loan you a magnifying glass or other low vision aids to help you with specific tasks. They may recommend other ways of achieving the tasks that are causing you difficulties. They will help you to learn how to use magnifiers which is an important step.

With your permission the optometrist will then ask the vision rehabilitation specialist to help you with any additional needs that cannot be solved with a magnifier. However in some cases you may have already seen the vision rehabilitation specialist and had a thorough needs assessment and in this situation the optometrist will ask your permission to share the results of your low vision assessment with them. This is important as it helps both teams tailor the support you need.

The low vision service is free of charge and all low vision aids are loaned to you for as long as they are of use. If you need new glasses you may need to pay for them, although many people are eligible for NHS help towards the cost of these. To find out more about how you can get help towards the cost of glasses you can ask the optometrist who sees you on the day.

We can do home visits for those unable to get out but where possible it is recommended you come into to the centre in Kings Cross as not all the equipment is portable.

We also provide specialist eye care for adults with learning disabilities which is free of charge.

You do not need to registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired to use our service.

Contact details

Contact Name
Contact Position
Administrator
Telephone
020 7391 2241
E-mail
low.vision@nhs.org.uk
Website
www.sightlinedirectory.org.uk/Listings/Details/2238/rnib-low-vision-centre---central-london 

Address

Address
RNIB
RNIB low vision centre Grimaldi Building
154a
Pentonville Road
London
Postcode
N1 9JE

Time / Date Details

When is it on
Mon-Thu 9am-5pm.
Opening times (visits)
Please ring before visiting to ensure we are not out on home visits.

Costs

Cost(s)
Low vision aids are loaned usually, they may charge for spectacles though often a voucher is provided.

Further details

Parent Body
RNIB
Client Group
Aged 18 and over.
Catchment Area
Camden and Islington.
Capacity or waiting list
No waiting list.
Referrals Policy

Self referral or from an allied health professional for residents of the London boroughs of Camden and Islington, only.

Referral required?
Yes
Ward
Kings Cross Ward
Last checked date
14/08/2017
Record ID
8508
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