Coming to the Low Vision Clinic

Coming to the Low Vision Clinic

Patient Information

Orthoptic Services

What is a Low Vision Assessment?

The purpose of a low vision assessment is to work out the best way of using the vision of someone whose sight cannot be improved by medical treatment or ordinary spectacles. This is often achieved using magnifying aids of some kind or by better use of lighting.

What do I do when I arrive?

Boston House Eye Unit, 

Entrance B, 

Second Floor, 

Frog Lane, 

Wigan 

WN6 7LB

And

Area 1,

Leigh Infirmary, 

Hanover Street, Leigh

WN7

Your letter will tell you where your appointment is at.

Please report to Reception on arrival.

What to bring to the appointment

Always bring your spectacles even if you find them of no use, together with any magnifiers that you use or have been given. It is a good idea to bring along examples of tasks you are having difficulty with. This may be a particular size print or an activity such as sewing or knitting. Alternatively make a list of the things you are having problems with.

Please ensure you have visited your optician with 12 months of this appointment and bring your most recent report with you.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, we are very happy for you to bring a relative, friend or carer with you. It is often useful to have someone with you to listen to the information given to you.

What happens during your visit?

A Low Vision Therapist will assess you and discuss the implications of your eye condition with you.  After testing your vision, he/she will suggest ways to improve your ability to read, write and undertake other activities that you may be having difficulty with.

If magnifying devices help, you will be shown the best way to use them. They will then be loaned to you for use at home.

We will also refer you to other services that may be of benefit to you if you wish. Please note most magnifying aids are not in the form of glasses.

Your appointment may take up to one hour.

In most cases you will be followed up about three months after your initial visit, this may be by phone call or a return visit. Some people may need to be followed up before this time.

After your assessment you will be given your Low Vision therapist’s name and contact number for future reference.

Is there a charge?

There is no charge for the assessment or any aids issued to you, if you are a registered NHS patient.

What we ask of you

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can arrange another time suitable for you. 

If you are coming by hospital transport (i.e. ambulance) please contact the Low Vision Clinic on 0300 7072310 before contacting your GP to book this, please ensure you have visited your optician within the last twelve months. If you have not, then the low vision assessment may not be accurate.

For further information

Please contact:

Low Vision Clinic Entrance B, Wigan Health Centre, Frog Lane,

Wigan WN6 7LB 

Telephone 01942 822310