Vision or Vision Impaired

Introduction

Vision impairment is a partial or total loss of sight that cannot be fully corrected with:

• standard eyeglasses,
• contact lenses,
• medication, or
• surgery.

It ranges from mild vision loss to complete blindness. It significantly impacts a person's daily activities, such as reading, driving, or navigating.

Types of vision impairments are:

• Visual Acuity Loss: The inability to see objects clearly. For example, seeing only at 20 feet what a person without an impairment can see at 70 feet.
• Visual Field Loss: The inability to see a wide area without moving the eyes or head. For example, "tunnel vision" or loss of peripheral vision.
• Colour Vision Deficiency: Challenges in distinguishing certain colours or shades.

This page provides information, advice and resources about vision / vision impairment. You can also visit our page on Deafblind or Multi-Sensory Impaired.

There are two videos on YouTube that provide a good introduction to vision / vision impairment:

Please note, some services / settings may refer to vision impairment as visual impairment.

Advice and Support

Referrals for children and young people with vision impairments come primarily from health. Referrals from school with clinical evidence are required. This is because problems are sometimes not fully evident until a child starts school.

Sensory Needs Service (SNS)

If your child has permanent vision impairment, the SNS will provide you and your family with specialist support.

The SNS do not provide support for children whose vision is corrected with glasses. Opticians provide this care. SNS would only be needed if there were other conditions impacting on their vision, as well as this:

• Find out more about the Sensory Needs Service

The SNS have created a policy document about Cerebral Vision Impairment (CVI) for mainstream settings. Parents may find it useful to read:

• View our Cerebral Vision Impairment (CVI) policy for mainstream settings

School Health Service

When your child starts school, the School Health Service will see them. They will check their vision, in line with government guidelines. Checking their vision aged 4 to 5 years is important.

There is more information on the NHS East Sussex Children website:

• Vision | NHS East Sussex Children

The main NHS website provides extra information and advice about blindness and vision loss:

• Blindness and vision loss | NHS

Tips for Parents

Some tips for parents are:

1. Get to know your child’s vision. Every child with VI sees differently. Ask professionals to explain your child’s vision clearly so you understand what they can see, how they use their vision, and what helps them best.
2. Encourage independence. Allow your child to try tasks for themselves, even if it takes longer. Independence builds confidence, self-esteem, and problem-solving skills.
3. Create a safe and predictable environment. Keep furniture in consistent places and reduce clutter. Let your child know when changes are made to their surroundings.
4. Use clear communication. Talk through what is happening around your child. Avoid phrases like “over there” and instead use clear, descriptive language.
5. Support learning through other senses. Encourage learning through touch, hearing, movement, and smell. Hands-on experiences are especially important for children with VI.
6. Work closely with professionals. Engage regularly with teachers, Qualified Teachers of the Visually Impaired (QTVIs), therapists, and health professionals. This will help to ensure joined-up support.
7. Promote social opportunities. Help your child develop friendships by supporting play, group activities, and social skills. Explain social cues that sighted children may learn visually.
8. Advocate for your child. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, request adjustments, or speak up about your child’s needs in education, health, and community settings.
9. Prepare for transitions early. Whether moving rooms, schools, or stages of life, gradual preparation (visits, photos, stories, and discussions) can reduce anxiety and increase confidence.
10. Look after yourself too. Caring for a child with VI can feel overwhelming at times. Seek support, connect with other parents, and remember that your wellbeing matters.

Find Vision Impairment Services

You can visit our SEND-specific online directory, hosted on East Sussex 1Space. The directory lists many different services both throughout the county and online. You can use filters within each category to find services specifically for those with vision impairments. This includes vision impairments services for categories such as:

• Activities and Events
• Advice, Guidance and Support Groups
• Physical Health and Practical Support
• Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

Visit the East Sussex Local Offer directory, on 1Space.

Additional Help and Services

Amaze SENDIASS

Amaze SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) are a local charity. They offer free, independent, and impartial advice for all matters relating to SEND. Contact Amaze SENDIASS by:

• Phone - 01273 772 289
• Email - sendiass@amazesussex.org.uk

Visit the Amaze SENDIASS web page.

Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms

We explain some of the terms used on this website on our page, Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms.