Discovering and understanding under-served communities

People with visual impairments

Visual impairment (sight loss) is a term used when a person has reduced ability to see and which cannot be corrected using glasses or contact lenses. The term blindness is used when there is complete or nearly complete vision loss.

The Accessible Information Standard

Community pharmacies are legally required to follow the 'Accessible Information Standard'. These standards aim to ensure people who have a disability, impairment or sensory loss are provided with information that can be easily read and understood and so enable them to communicate effectively with you.

In short, your pharmacy must do 5 things to meet the standard:
  1. Ask people if they have any communication or information needs and to find out how you can meet those needs
  2. Record these needs e.g. on their patient medication record (PMR)
  3. Ensure the recorded needs are clear and ‘highly visible’ when accessed
  4. Share information about these needs when you have permission to do so
  5. Take steps to ensure that individuals receive information which they can access and understand.

More information about the standard can be found in the resource section of this e-learning.

Access Economics (2009) Future sight loss, London, RNIB

Bunce C et al (2010) Causes of blind and partial sight certifications in England and Wales April 2007–March 2008. Eye 24:1692–1699

Hodge S et al (2010) Evaluation of Emotional Support and Counselling within an Integrated Low Vision Service, Liverpool, University of Liverpool, RNIB

NHS England (2015) Accessible Information: Implementation Guidance, Leeds, NHS England

Select which of the following statements are true or false?
There are 2 million people in the UK living with visual impairments. With an ageing population, this is set to increase dramatically in the future.
Correct - It is true that there are 2 million people in the UK living with visual impairments. With an ageing population, this is set to increase dramatically in the future.
Incorrect - It is true that there are 2 million people in the UK living with visual impairments. With an ageing population, this is set to increase dramatically in the future.
Studies have shown that sight loss can reduce wellbeing and increase the incidence of depression.
Correct - It is true. Studies have shown that sight loss can reduce wellbeing and increase the incidence of depression.
Incorrect - It is true that studies have shown that sight loss can reduces wellbeing and increase the incidence of depression.
Access to eye care services for minority ethnic groups is higher than the average population.
Incorrect - It is not true that access to eye care services for minority ethnic groups is higher than the average population. Minority ethnic groups access eye care services less than the average population and so their undetected eye conditions are more likely to be severe.
Correct - It is untrue that access to eye care services for minority ethnic groups is higher than the average population. Minority ethnic groups access eye care services less than the average population and so their undetected eye conditions are more likely to be severe.
Simple steps to identify and better serve individuals with with visual impairments