Visual Impairment Team
- Macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetes,
retinitis pigmentosa, hemianopia, cataracts…
- Difficulties crossing roads, pouring drinks,
setting the oven, reading, telling the time, recognising people’s
faces…
These are just some of the eye conditions and
difficulties that visually impaired people deal with on a daily
basis. With support from the Visual Impairment Team many of these
problems can be overcome.
The VI team are a specialist service hosted by
Bedford Borough Council, but remain a shared service covering both
Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire. The Team are based in
Bedford, with one member based in the Dunstable area.
What do we do?
We work with people of all ages with a visual
impairment whose sight cannot be corrected by glasses or medical
treatment. The majority of our referrals come from local and
national hospitals for registration purposes, but anyone can refer
to us if they are experiencing difficulties with their vision.
After an assessment, we can offer a
rehabilitation plan tailored to meet a person’s needs. This may
include:
- Instruction on how to complete daily living
tasks such as cooking, making drinks, using the telephone, and
writing
- Mobility training to complete local routes independently
- Appropriate specialist equipment
- Sign posting to local and national VI services
We aim to provide specialist knowledge and
support to ensure that people understand their eye condition,
regain confidence and independence, and are aware of other services
available to them.
How to contact us
For initial advice and information, or to make
a referral, please contact:
The Visual Impairment Team
Bedford Borough Council
Borough Hall
Bedford
MK42 9AP
Tel: 01234 718318
Fax: 01234 276563
Email: visualimpairment@bedford.gov.uk
Useful information
Download our leaflet here - Help
for people with a visual impairment
Download the large print
version of the leaflet - Help for people with a visual
impairment
Download our Information
booklet for people with a visual impairment
Benefits and Concessions
Bedford and District Audio News
(BDAN)