Optima Low Vision Services Ltd are an NHS provider of low vision clinics in the South West.


What is a Low vision assessment?
A Low Vision Assessment is designed to identify the most effective way of improving the visual abilities of someone whos sight cannot be improved by ordinary spectacles or medical treatment. Our low vision therapists will assess your vision and discuss any implications of sight loss as well as offering advice and techniques that may improve your ability to carry out activities that you find difficult. Any suitable magnifying aids or anti-glare filters would then be issued to you on long term loan.



In Torbay and South Devon

The assessment is free of charge and optical aids can be provided on long term loan.

You are entitled to access our NHS clinics if:

  • You are a patient at the Eye Clinic at Torbay hospital or one of their outreach clinics in Newton Abbot, Totnes or Teignmouth
 
You do not have to be registered as a visually impaired person to access this service.
 
Your Opthalmologist will normally refer you for an appointment at our clinic in Totnes but if not you can request an appointment from:
  • Opthalmologist at the hospital
  • Your GP
  • Your usual local optometrist
  • Social Services Rehabilitation Officer

Once we have received your referral you will be offered an appointment at:

Optima Low Vision Services
Dartside
Ford Road
Totnes

In Somerset and Dorset

The assessment is free of charge and optical aids can be provided on long term loan.

You are entitled to access our NHS clinics if:

  • You are a patient of a GP registeres with either Somerset or Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group and
  • You have been seen by an opthalmologist who has diagnosed you with a visual impairment and
  • You have had a routine eye test with your usual optometrist.

You do not have to be registered as a visually impaired person to access this service.

You can be referred to our clinics in Somerset and Dorset by any of the following professionals:

  • Your GP
  • Optician
  • Ophthalmologist
  • Social Services Sensory team
  • ECLO (Eye Clinic Liason Officer)
  • Specialist teacher of the visually impaired.

Once we have received your referral you will be offered an appointment at a clinic venue closest to you or of your choice on request.


Private patients
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria to access our NHS clinics but wish to access our low vision service, we would be pleased to offer a private consultation at the cost of £50 plus the cost of any magnifying aids you wish to purchase. BUPA members may be eligible to recover the cost of this service if referred by a Consultant Opthalmologist registered with BUPA (please check with BUPA for criteria of eligibility).

Please contact us to arrange a private assessment.