My child has been diagnosed with vision impairment. What happens now?

Finding out your child has vision impairment can be an emotional and confusing time. It can be difficult to take in and understand everything you are told in your initial consultations. There are organisations and specialists available that can provide you with advice, guidance and information as well as emotional support. 

Your consultant should put you in touch with an Eye Care Liaison Officer (ECLO) - if they don't, ask if you can have an appointment with one.. ECLOs provide you with: 

• Emotional support 

• help with understanding your child’s diagnosis and any medical paperwork 

• Deciding on the best next steps for you. 

Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs) | RNIB 

You can also use RNIB resources for parents of children at the point of diagnosis alongside the ECLO’s support: 

Diagnosis and Emotional Wellbeing | RNIB | RNIB 

Contact your local authority or education authority’s sensory services to ask for support from a Qualified Teacher of Vision Impairment (QTVI). If your child is issued a Certificate of Vision Impairment (England, Northern Ireland, Wales) or registered on VINCYP (Scotland), a referral to the sensory service should be made for you. QTVIs help you and your child with development and educational needs. They will normally work with you at home or your child's nursery or school: 

Education for Children | RNIB | RNIB 

Further information can also be found on RNIB webpages: Parenting a child with a vision impairment  and Information for parents of children with vision impairment | RNIB  

You can download a copy of 'Starting Point' from the Guide Dogs website. Starting point is a guide for parents of children with vision impairment and contains advice and information on resources that you may find helpful. 

RNIB Specialist Advice Service Advisors can give further information on this topic