Having concerns about your child’s vision and seeking and receiving a diagnosis can be a challenging time for any family. Understanding and coming to terms with a diagnosis can take time and people may respond in different ways. Feelings such as shock, anger, fear, anxiety, sadness and loss are common as well as more practical concerns such as impacts on independence, education, adulthood. Some families may initially want to focus on practical concerns, and some may want to deal with the emotional impact, or a combination of the two. There is no right or wrong way to feel, every child and family’s journey is different. RSBC are here to support you at this difficult time in whatever way you need, from practical advice and guidance, to emotional support.

What to do if you have concerns

Have you noticed symptoms that are worrying for you? Is your baby not doing the things that you would expect? Is your older child complaining of difficulty seeing, tired eyes, or pain? It is important to make an appointment with your GP who will undertake an examination. If they are concerned, they can refer you to a specialist called an Ophthalmologist at your local hospital who will be able to do a more thorough examination and series of tests.

Diagnosis

Following this appointment, the Ophthalmologist may be able to offer a diagnosis. This should include information about what your child can see and what impairments there are, what condition might be causing it and whether the condition may get worse. You will also discuss if there is any treatment and what the plan might be for this as well as whether there will need to be any follow up appointments and/or referrals to other services.

There may be a lot of information to take in at the time and you may have a lot of questions. Support can be vital, whether it is a family member, friend or a professional, to help you to understand the diagnosis and the implications for your child and your family.

Certificate of Visual Impairment

Following a diagnosis, you may be able to obtain a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI). This is an official medical document, issued by the Ophthalmologist that details your child’s eye condition, and their level of vision impairment. This can help when applying for support such as benefits. It will detail whether your child is sight impaired or severely sight impaired.

This certificate will be sent to you, your GP, and your local authority. You may also want to consider registering your child with the local authority as sight impaired, in order to access support and advice services. A member of the local team will contact you if appropriate.

RSBC can support you at every stage of your child’s journey from diagnosis to adulthood.