See the Possibilities: Empowering Lives with the Low Vision Service

10 February 2026

There is an estimated two million individuals in the UK affected by sight loss. Recognising the profound impact of inadequate support and limited access to essential equipment, Primary Eyecare Services in partnership with leading sight loss charities and Local Optical Committees (LOCs) implemented the Low Vision Service in a number of areas. The service adopts a comprehensive approach, through clinical assessments, the provision of specialised low vision aids, and the implementation of holistic care pathways. This collaborative model ensures the delivery of patient-centred care, empowering those with sight loss to maintain their independence and quality of life. Furthermore, ongoing efforts to expand and enhance the service aim to maximise positive outcomes for a growing number of patients across England.

The Low Vision Service looks to optimise patient’s remaining vision, promote independent and confidence in patients, provide access to magnification devices and practical tools and signpost patients to further support services. This service is in aligned with RNIB’s Eye Care Support Pathway, which is designed to be fully patient-focused whilst ensuring all individuals gain the support, they need at every stage of their eye care journey. Alongside being patient-focused, it addresses the growing challenge of long wait times in ophthalmology – the largest outpatient specialty in the NHS.

Gavin Davies, a patient of the Salford Low Vision Service and a vision rehabilitation specialist, describes his experience as transformative. Gavin values the convenience of receiving care in a local community setting, stating that “people with vision impairment feel more comfortable coming to their local community practice, as opposed to an eye hospital.” Throughout Gavin’s journey, Wallworks Opticians has provided him with positive consistent guidance and encouragement, tailoring advice on best practices to help him manage his condition effectively. “The Low Vision Service has impacted me really positively throughout my life, as it performs and addresses the visual needs and equipment to sustain my independence and daily living – I feel empowered that I can still do my daily tasks independently.” The support Gavin has received from this service, has empowered Gavin to maintain independence and confidence in daily life, demonstrating the positive impact of accessible, community-based eye care.

You can see Gavin himself talk about the positive impact the Low Vision Service has had here.

Since the launch of the service, Primary Eyecare Services and our partners have supported over 3,000 patients and supplied more than 3,400 low vision aids to help patients live more independently and confidently. The service maintains high patient satisfaction ratings, with praise towards the personalised care and practical tools provided. By making low vision support accessible in local communities, people with sight loss are empowered to maintain their independence, access information and live their life to the fullest.

The service is delivered by registered Optometrists or specialist Dispensing Opticians with the overall service including functional vision assessments, refraction and corrective lens evaluation, magnification needs analysis and emotional and practical support referrals. The Waiting Well Service by Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) supported by local charities complements the service by supporting patients during delays in eye care appointments. It offers emotional support and listening services, eye health advice and condition-specific guidance, practical advice on independence, employment and benefits, appointment preparation and question planning and signposting to other services and organisations.

The service is commissioned by four NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and it is delivered through local optical practices, both independent and national chains across Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester (Salford), Lancashire & South Cumbria and Lincolnshire. In Lancashire & South Cumbria the service is enhanced through partnerships with leading sight loss charities: N-Vision North West, Galloways, Sight Advice South Lakes and Vision Support Barrow. The service accepts referrals from optometrists, healthcare professionals and self-referrals and is available six days a week.

However, this service is more than numbers. Through partnership with charities, it’s about reducing health inequalities and shifting eye care from hospitals to the community, ultimately prioritising patient care. In line with the NHS’ 10-Year Plan, by shifting to a community neighbourhood service approach, this will enable a transformation of healthcare across the country. Optometrist & Chair of Salford LOC, Andrew McGrail stated that “the service directly supports the NHS 10-Year Plan by delivering care in the community, as opposed to hospital settings. In turn this reduces pressure on the hospital services, clearly enabling the left shift in care that the plans sets out to achieve.” Each patient supported represents a story of improved quality of life and now is the time to scale up and make this service more accessible for more patients across England.