Visual impairment (archived)
Published 6 August 2014
© Crown copyright 2014
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-educational-needs-sen-guide-for-service-families/visual-impairment
This content is no longer current and was archived on 26 May 2016.
Visual impairment is the general term used when a child has reduced vision and may, as a result, be partially sighted or blind. Blind children have very little sight or, occasionally, no sight. Some may see light through a window or from a lamp or be able to see bright colours. Very few blind children see nothing at all.
There are many causes of visual impairment, which affect vision in different ways. For example, some conditions let too much light into the eye which leads to reduced vision in bright sunlight. Others can result in patchy vision a bit like looking through a colander.
SCE supports children with visual impairment through commissioning the services of a Consultant Teacher of the Visually Impaired from a UK Local Authority. The teacher visits schools in NW Europe and Cyprus usually on an annual basis. As part of the support package during the visit he/she will meet and work with the child, provide support and advice to the teacher and will meet with parents.
If you would like support from the Visual Impairment consult please contact your school to discuss.
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