Seeing it my way

"Seeing it my Way" works to ensure that blind and partially sighted people can access the support and information services needed for independent living.

Equal access to support services

If you are living an independent life with little or no sight, you need access to a range of information and support from services social services, voluntary sector organisations, etc.

You should be able to access information in a format that you can read. You should also be able to access the right rehabilitation services that ensure you’ve the skills and confidence to live independently.

Seeing it my Way sets out a range of outcomes that blind and partially sighted people have told us are important to them to achieve that reality.

This initiative is rooted in the work of the UK Vision Strategy. This is a partnership of organisations formed to transform eye health and sight loss services.

Survey of blind and partially sighted people

In the autumn of 2011, we asked blind and partially sighted people to support the development of a series of outcomes for Seeing it my Way. Their endorsement would ensure the initiative would have real authority in the years to come with commissioners of services.

A total of 1,182 individuals responded via post, telephone and internet, or by taking part in discussion groups. Almost every person who responded endorsed the Seeing it my Way outcomes.

We took on board the feedback that you gave us and amended the outcomes to reflect what you said.

Seeing it my Way outcomes

The 10 outcomes of Seeing it my Way, which are all equal in value, are set out under the following conditions.

That I:

understand my eye condition and the registration process
have someone to talk to
can look after myself, my health, my home and my family
receive statutory benefits and information and support that I need
can make the best use of the sight I have
can access information making the most of the advantages that technology brings
can get out and about
have the tools, skills and confidence to communicate
have equal access to education and lifelong learning
can work and volunteer.

Working with local commissioners

The aim is to work with local commissioning and provider partners (including health, voluntary sector and public health) so that together we can assess local eye health and sight loss services and deliver a joint plan for improvement. The Eye Health and Sight Loss Vision Planning Guidance, available on the UK Vision Strategy website, will help to do this.

Joint Strategic Needs Assessment

When preparing your Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), use the UK Vision Strategy JSNA template at commissioningforeyecare.org.uk to help you to understand the eye health needs of your local population and what support is needed for those with sight loss.

Regularly review the impact and quality of your services by asking blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers whether they think the Seeing it my Way outcomes are being delivered and what areas still need improvement.

You can find out more on the UK Vision Strategy website.