Torbay Care Trust  is responsible for providing health and adult social care for people in Torbay.

Are you finding it hard to see? Do you know someone who has difficulties seeing?  A Visual Impairment Worker may be able to help.

Do I need to be registered blind or partially sighted to get help?
No. You can be either registered blind or partially sighted, or have a visual impairment that cannot be corrected by using traditional spectacles.

Who are the Visual Impairment Workers?
We are workers trained to help you with the practical tasks that become difficult as a result of being blind or partially sighted.  One of us will visit you at home.

What do you do?
We can help you to stay or become independent and confident, to as great an extent as is possible, following changes in your ability to see.

How can you help?
We will talk to you about the help that you think you need. This is called an 'assessment'.

What is an assessment?
An assessment involves asking what you can do for yourself and what tasks you need help with. With your consent we would also like to talk to any people who help you, like friends, relatives and your doctor or nurse. We will then agree and draw up an Action Plan with you. This lists the training, rehabilitation and equipment that may help you.

What help can I get?
Daily living skills training - help with tasks such as making a hot drink safely, general kitchen safety, cleaning and sewing.

Communications - help with reading and writing, using magnifiers, telling the time, using the telephone, learning Braille, typing and computer skills.

Mobility - help with getting around safely, indoors and outside. Help offered with aids such as appropriate canes and support sticks; advice on how to get help from family/friends and members of the public, formal mobility or orientation training if appropriate.

Lighting - help with the lighting in your home. This can be assessed and we may be able to suggest improvements.

Information and advice - on all subjects relating to visual impairment, e.g. equipment, support groups, access to printed information, employment issues.

The emphasis is on rehabilitation and training. This can include the provision of specialist equipment where necessary. If found to be helpful to this rehabilitation and training, adaptations can be made to your home (for example installing new overhead lighting).

Will I have to pay?
No, the assessment and services are free of charge.  See Specialist Equipment for information regarding what equipment is available to you.

Who do I contact?
In the first instance, please speak to one of our Referral Co-ordinators.  See Contact Us information above.