What is the Low Vision Clinic? v5

What is the Low Vision Clinic?

Patient Information

Ophthalmology Service

• Author ID: KW
• Leaflet ref: Ophth 009
• Version: 4
• Leaflet title: What is the Low Vision Clinic?
• Review date: November 2025
• Expiry date: November 2027

What is the Low Vision Clinic?

The Low Vision Clinic (LVC) is for patients who have a reduction in vision which cannot be treated by just wearing glasses. The most common conditions we see are:

• Age Related Macular Degeneration
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Nystagmus

However, we can see anyone with any condition which affects the level of vision.

Why do I need to come to the LVC?

The main purpose of coming to the Low Vision Clinic is to provide you with advice and techniques to maximize the use of your remaining sight, allowing you to keep doing activities such as reading, shopping, getting out and about, cooking, and hobbies, thereby maintaining your independence. Where necessary, we can also provide magnifiers to help maximize your vision.

We offer additional support in understanding your eye condition and coming to terms with your vision loss. We have numerous links and can make onward referrals or direct you to other resources that can help.

My eyesight isn’t that bad, why do I need to come?

If you have a diagnosed eye condition and it is known that your sight is unlikely to improve and may deteriorate over time, it is important to come to the LV clinic as early as possible. Often, in early stages, magnifiers are not needed, but we can provide advice on how to make things easier and maximize the vision you have. This will allow you to maintain your independence for longer. Having a point of contact at the clinic means that if your vision deteriorates, you already know where to seek help.

My eyesight is very poor, are you able to help?

Very few people with significantly reduced vision cannot be helped at all through the Low Vision Clinic. We will conduct a full assessment of how your condition affects you. Even when magnifiers are not suitable, we can offer advice on how to make things easier.

How do I get to the Low Vision Clinic?

Ask your Ophthalmologist or nurse for a referral to the LVC at your consultation. Your optician and GP can also refer you, and if you know your diagnosis, you can self-refer. The Low Vision Clinic is based at:

Boston House Eye Unit
Frog Lane
Wigan, WN6 7LB

and

Leigh Infirmary
The Avenue
Leigh, WN7 1HS

Our contact number is: 01942 822310