2.2.1 Flashcards
What is the main requirement of the Disability and Equality Act (2010)?
The Disability and Equality Act (2010) ensures that patients are treated equally and that discrimination is prevented in areas like education, employment, services, facilities, and transport. It aims to protect individuals from unfair treatment due to disabilities and promotes equal access to care and services.
How should optometrists adapt their routine to accommodate patients with disabilities?
Optometrists should provide the same level of care to all patients, adapt routines to meet the specific needs of patients (e.g., scheduling extra time, offering alternative communication methods), and ensure accessibility to their facility (e.g., wheelchair access). This may involve changes like using larger fixation targets or adapting equipment for patient comfort.
What are some different types of disabilities?
Disabilities include physical (e.g., amputation, motor neuron disease), sensory (e.g., blindness, deafness), intellectual (e.g., dyslexia, dementia), emotional (e.g., anxiety, depression), and developmental (e.g., autism).
What is the RVI process and its purpose?
RVI stands for Registration for Visual Impairment. It is a voluntary, confidential registration with local social services for people who are Sight Impaired (SI) or Severely Sight Impaired (SSI), usually done via referral from an eye clinic or GP after an ophthalmologist examines the patient’s eye health and vision.
What is the role of the Low Vision Leaflet (LVL)?
The Low Vision Leaflet (LVL) is a self-referral form that patients can use to request an eye assessment at a clinic. The form includes details about the patient’s condition, vision concerns (e.g., difficulties with daily activities like cooking or crossing roads), and specific needs. The visual impairment team receives the form and helps facilitate patient care and support services.
What does CVI stand for, and what is its purpose?
CVI stands for Certificate of Visual Impairment. Certification is determined by an ophthalmologist using criteria based on visual acuity (VA) and visual field (VF). Once certified, patients can register as Sight Impaired (SI) or Severely Sight Impaired (SSI) to access additional support and services.
What are the criteria for registering a patient as SSI (Severely Sight Impaired)?
Patients can be classified as SSI based on: VA of less than 3/60 with a full visual field, VA between 3/60 and 6/60 with severe reduction in visual field (tunnel vision), or VA of 6/60 or better, but with a very reduced visual field (particularly in the lower half).
What are the criteria for registering a patient as SI (Sight Impaired)?
Patients can be classified as SI based on: VA between 3/60 and 6/60 with a full visual field, VA up to 6/24 with a reduction in visual field, or VA of 6/18 or better with significant visual field reduction (such as half of the visual field missing or peripheral vision loss).
What are some benefits of registering as SI or SSI?
Registered patients may be eligible for benefits, including: Half-price TV license, NHS cost reductions, Council tax reductions, Leisure discounts, and Free public transport (varies by registration level). Local councils provide cards to prove eligibility for these concessions.
What are the visual acuity (VA) and visual field (VF) requirements for Class 1 drivers?
Class 1 drivers must be able to read a registration plate in daylight from 20 meters with or without corrective lenses. Visual field requirements include: 120° horizontally with at least 50° to each side, 20° above and below fixation, and no significant defects within the central 20° of the visual field.
What are the VA and VF requirements for Class 2 drivers?
For Class 2 drivers (e.g., HGV drivers): VA in the better eye must be at least 6/7.5 (0.8), and the worse eye must be at least 6/60. Their visual field must be 160° horizontally, with at least 70° to each side and 30° above and below fixation. The corrective power must not exceed +8.00D.
How can an optometrist adapt their routine for patients with visual impairment?
Optometrists can adapt their routine for visually impaired patients by using LogMAR or Bailey Lovie letters, larger fixation targets, autos/retinoscopy, Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity test, and objective methods like bracket refraction.
How can an optometrist adapt their routine for patients with disabilities?
Optometrists can adapt their routine by providing accessible test rooms, using trial frames, cycloplegia for adults, performing ophthalmoscopy over Volk, relying on objective assessments, and communicating with caregivers.
What are some local low vision services available to patients?
Local services include: The Macula Society, Action for the Blind (RNIB), Vision Impairment Team at SCC, Beacon Vision, and County Hospital Low Vision Clinic, which provide low vision aids, rehabilitation, and emotional support.
What are examples of assistive technology for visually impaired patients?
Assistive technologies include apps like: BlindSquare (which describes the environment), iDentifi (which identifies objects through voiceovers), Be My Eyes (which connects users with sighted volunteers to assist with daily tasks), and Kindle.
