1. Do you offer an in-house visual impairment service? If so, please describe what kind of service is provided? (For example, is visual impairment rehabilitation provided? Community mobility training?)
Yes, Devon County Council (DCC) does have an in house visual impairment service. We assess, signpost, and provide information, advice and support to visually impaired people and their families. We also hold and maintain the register of people who are sight impaired / severely sight impaired in Devon and we provide rehabilitation training programmes which may include daily living skills, communication skills and mobility training.
2. Do you provide equipment?
Yes, if appropriate, after an initial assessment has taken place.
3. Do your Visual Impairment officers apply for grants for equipment?
Yes.
4. If provision is outsourced – who provides this service?
Not applicable.
5. How many visual impairment officers do you currently have (including senior &/or junior)?
8 qualified Rehab Officers, Visual Impairment (ROVIs) and 3 Apprentice Rehab Officers.
6. What is the number of referrals that the service receives per financial year?
This fluctuates, but from 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022 referrals into the Sensory Team (Visual Impairment) totalled 1,024; these referrals may not all be for separate individuals, as one person may be referred several times over a year.
This figure includes internal (from other departments) and external referrals but does not include reviews or follow up activity, or contact direct to the ROVIs from people they have seen previously.
7. What is the current waiting time for an initial assessment?
Between 4 and 8 weeks.
8. What are the current salary scales for a junior Visual Impairment Officer?
All our Apprentice ROVIs are on Grade C – £19,264 to £20,043.
9. What are the current salary scales for a senior Visual Impairment Officer?
All our qualified ROVIs are on Grade F – £29, 174 to £32,798.