Information for parents and carers
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Developmental Vision Team – PIAG 42 (104kB pdf)
Introduction
This leaflet aims to give you some information about the Developmental Vision Team and what they do.
Why has my child been referred to the developmental Vision Team
To advise and provide any support or signposting for an eyesight problem that may affect your child’s development or learning.
Who can refer a child to the Developmental Vision Team
Any professional who suspects a child has a vision problem that interferes with his/her development or learning. This is usually an Ophthalmologist (eye specialist), teacher, Health Visitor or therapist.
Who is part of the Developmental Vision Team?
The team consists of:
- A Paediatrician (a doctor specially trained in the medical care of children).
- An Ophthalmologist (a doctor specialising in the eye and vision) may link in as needed
- An Optometrist (an optician who is based in the hospital).
- An Orthoptist (a member of the eye care team who is based in the hospital).
- Specialist Teachers of Visual Impairment linked to the local service authorities
Does anyone else work with the Developmental Vision Team?
The team works closely with any other medical specialists or therapists your child may be seeing, either in Alder Hey or in the community. The Teachers for the Visually Impaired on the team work in the City’s schools and nurseries to ensure that your child’s education needs are being met.
The team also work closely with the eye clinic and local services and TAC (Team Around the Child).
What does the Developmental Vision Team do?
The team share information about children in a multi-disciplinary forum to discuss appropriate strategies to assist your child’s development and learning. The team will ensure that your child is seen by the relevant people who need to support them.
Will I need to take my child to see the Team?
The team will initially discuss your child’s needs and then a member of the team, usually the specialist teacher, will contact you to discuss outcomes of the Developmental Vision Team. If required, the team may refer to other specialties after discussing with you or offer a hospital appointment for further assessments.
What will happen next?
One or more of the team (usually the specialist teacher for visually impaired) will contact you to arrange a visit, either to your home, your child’s nursery or school where your child is placed or at hospital if required. Following this, they will discuss with you the support they feel is necessary for your child to have equality of access to all learning and other activities in school, and when your child will be seen again by the team.
How do I contact the team for further information?
You can telephone any of the numbers below:
Paediatric / Ophthalmology Departments via switchboard: Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust: 0151 228 4811
Liverpool Sensory Service, [email protected], 0151 233 5970
Knowsley Sensory Impairment Service: 0151 443 2667
Sefton SEN and Inclusion Support Service: 0151 934 2347
This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.
This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
PIAG: 42