1. At present, how many people are registered as blind or partially sighted in Devon?
The most recent figures held by Devon County Council are 4,251, comprising 2,082 registered blind and 2,169 registered partially sighted.
2. How many people are currently on the waiting list to receive vision rehabilitation in Devon?
The current waiting list is showing as 49 people waiting for vision rehabilitation across the county.
3. How soon after Devon Council receives a Certificate of Visual Impairment is initial contact made with the individual?
We endeavour to make contact with the individual within 28 days of receipt of the CVI.
4. How soon after Devon Council receives a Certificate of Visual Impairment does the individual receive a face to face assessment?
We endeavour to arrange a face to face assessment – if it is required, within 28 days but currently are not able to achieve in all cases due to some long term sickness and a vacant post.
5. How much does Devon Council spend per annum on sensory services?
Our actual spend in 2016/17 was £691,000 and projected spend for 2017/18 is £776,000.
6. How much does Devon Council spend per annum on vision rehabilitation? Please provide a breakdown of costs where possible, such as staff costs and equipment.
£425,000 total, this includes, amongst other costs:
£390,500 staffing,
£17,500 travel,
£15,000 equipment,
£2,000 phones, etc
7. Who is the provider of vision rehabilitation for Devon Council?
In house Sensory team
8. How many people are in the team providing vision rehabilitation to people with sight loss? Please provide further details of the individual roles where possible e.g. full or part time post.
9 full time qualified Rehabilitation officers (ROVI’s), + 1 part time ROVI (33.5 hrs) and 1 vacancy (full time).
9. Does Devon Council measure the impact of sensory / vision rehabilitation services? If so, how?
Currently only via reviews with individual. We can also measure the number of visually impaired people who do not have commissioned services (ie do not require them) but this system is due to be reviewed in order to be able to more accurately measure impact.