RNIB Low Vision, Products and Advice Centre

You can find us at the Grimaldi Building, 154a Pentonville Road, London N1 9JE.

Monday to Friday: 10am – 4pm

Closed at weekends and public holidays. Opening hours may also vary over the festive period. If you're travelling a long distance, please call before you visit.

You don't need an appointment to visit the centre for products, advice or Eye Care Liaison Officer (ECLO) support. Low vision assessments are by appointment only.

As we are a small team, you may need to wait to speak to an adviser or the ECLO at busy times. If you have specific questions, contact us before your visit so we can prepare relevant information.

Low Vision Clinic

Our specialist optometrist will assess your vision and discuss the support you may need. Low vision assessments are by appointment only and can take up to 90 minutes.

The assessment includes:

• measurement of your vision
• an NHS eye test, if you are eligible
• OCT imaging where appropriate
• an assessment of your needs
• an assessment of your magnification requirements
• demonstration, selection and guidance on using magnifiers
• advice on making the most of your vision using products and visual strategies
• a discussion about other services and support that might help.

NHS eligibility

We offer an NHS-funded service free for adults with sight loss or visual impairment who live in Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Islington or Camden.

Magnifiers are provided on long-term loan and funded by the NHS.

If you need spectacles, you may need to pay for them unless you are eligible for an NHS optical voucher.

Private low vision service

If you are not eligible for an NHS assessment, you can use our private low vision service. An initial assessment costs £100 and each follow-up appointment costs £50.

Any magnifiers recommended by the low vision practitioners can be purchased, but there is no obligation to do so.

Spectacles and smart glasses

Our specialist dispensing optician can help if you need new spectacles.

We also stock Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and, where appropriate, can provide them with your spectacle prescription. Our dispensing optician can demonstrate the device and discuss the fit, helping you decide whether this assistive technology is right for you.

Eye tests for people with learning disabilities or autism

We provide free NHS-funded eye tests and a dispensing service for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism who live in Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Islington or Camden.

Products and advice

Our products adviser and volunteers can help you identify products that may make everyday tasks easier. You can explore demonstration areas set up as a living room, kitchen and workstation, with practical ideas for home and work.

We sell a small selection of popular items. We can also order products from our online shop for you to view before deciding whether to buy. The centre is not a retail shop: our main aim is to help you find aids that meet your needs.

Eye Care Liaison Officer (ECLO)

Our ECLO offers information, emotional support and practical advice if you have a condition that affects your sight, including while you are waiting for a diagnosis. They can help you understand your condition, find support for everyday life and wellbeing, and move forward with confidence. ECLOs also support family members, friends and carers.

• Low Vision Service: call 020 7391 2214 or email [email protected]
• ECLO: email [email protected]
• Products Advisors: email [email protected]