What is a Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS)?
VRS, previously Rehabilitation Officer Vision Impairment, work with people who are blind or partially sighted, and are part of the Eye Care Pathway and support services. A VRS identifies the issues/problems that a person is having and puts in place professional rehabilitation interventions to help them live as independently as possible. They do this by enhancing the person’s skills and self confidence, to help to make changes and adjustments in their daily routine, and to teach coping strategies and mechanisms to live life independently following sight loss.
They are qualified to carry out the statutory assessment and act as an advocate for people with sensory loss and promote accessible services, equality, social integration and understanding the impact of sight loss/dual sensory loss.
VRS will work through an assessment with you to identify a plan. You will then implement it and review your progress together, with the aim of reducing risk, and maximising and maintaining independence, safety, dignity and choice. This includes daily living skills, mobility, and communication skills.
Referring to VRS through Single Point of Access (SPoA)
To self-refer for a VRS assessment, you will need to call the Single Point of Access (SPoA) for your area. SPoA is a single route for referrals for patients needing community health services. As well as VRS, SPoA can provide access to services such as District Nurses, Therapists, Support Workers, and mental health crisis teams.
Cheshire West – 0300 123 7034
Cheshire East – 0300 123 5010
Conwy – 0300 456 1111
Denbighshire – 0300 456 1000
Flintshire – 03000 858858
Wrexham – 01978 292066
Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLO) are also available to provide advice on eye conditions and helpful local and national services. ECLOs offer dedicated individual care and give you advice on how to lessen the impact your eye condition may have on your life.
ECLOs act as an important bridge between health and social services and are central to the support and wellbeing of patients in eye clinics. They also offer information on avoidable sight loss, treatment and understand prognosis and medication.
For more information and for contact details, go to:
https://www.rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/navigating-sight-loss/eye-careservices-and-roles/eye-care-liaison-officers-eclos/