Low Vision Work Group

Setting standards for better low vision practice, raising awareness & writing curricula.

It is estimated that about 80 million adults and children have low vision and thus have a potential need for low vision services. A global survey published in 2011 showed that only a very small proportion of people with low vision have access to services (Chiang et al 2011). Some countries do not yet have low vision services and in many less than 20% of people who possibly need services are able to benefit from them.

Purpose

In recognition of the need to support establishing and expanding low vision services, the IAPB has formed a technical work group with membership from across the regions. The aim of the Low Vision Work Group (LVWG) is to provide leadership for IAPB Members and other stakeholders on priority matters relating to low vision.

Activities / priorities

Advocate to raise the profile of low vision and communicate progress.
Act as an advisory group for training and capacity development in low vision.
Provide technical assistance for development of low vision services and programmes.
Facilitate and advise on research and innovation for strengthening low vision programmes.

Current priorities of the Low Vision Work Group:

IAPB Standard List – a Sub-committee of the LVWG was formed to revise the Essential List for Low Vision which provides information and advice on low vision devices and technology and the group will continue to monitor the need for changes in the List. The list will be available here

Low Vision National Focal Person Courses – 6 courses have been conducted training people as National Focal Persons in development and management of low vision in their countries. The courses trained a total of 126 ophthalmologists, optometrists or rehabilitation trainers working in low vision. To meet the needs of the Global Action Plan – Universal Eye Health it is proposed to develop a leadership course on low vision at regional level.

The LVWG will seek to work with the WHO Collaborating Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired in Rome as they begin to develop universal standards for low vision care for use by WHO to provide guidance to WHO Member States on vision rehabilitation.

The latest activity is to develop a set of indicators to be used at national level to plan, monitor and evaluate low vision services.

Meetings

The Work Group will meet by teleconference at least twice a year, or face to face where possible. Opportunities for face-to-face meetings, where possible, will be sought around other events that may already see the attendance of the Work Group members.

Membership of the Low Vision Work Group is open to all IAPB members engaged in low vision.

All Work Group members are expected to actively contribute their expertise and knowledge to ensure the group meets its stated objectives.