Cerebral visual impairment and educational support in the United Kingdom: Understanding thresholds for providing support

Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is the most common cause of in children United Kingdom. The mainstay management providing strategies and environment adaptations to allow child use their vision for learning independence. It therefore important understand educational access policies facilitate timely appropriate referral qualified teachers learners with (QTVI) by ophthalmologists. QTVIs were recruited from VIEW (Visual Impairment England Wales) Scottish Sensory Centre (QTVI organisations) via email, newsletter social media. Respondents directed an online electronic questionnaire. 116 responses received; this represents around 18% response rate. All services accepted referrals cerebral (CVI). majority (97%) did not have a strict acuity threshold CVI. There inconsistent approach diagnosis CVI across Kingdom, some QTVI expressing concern that had prevented dysfunction accessing help. indicated they would welcome more VI, at earlier age, formalised pathway be beneficial. Children are support QTVI/sensory regardless acuity. Some welcomed undergoing assessment where yet confirmed. However, formal ophthalmologist as pre-requisite other areas emphasises need improve clinicians’ confidence Ophthalmologists encouraged engage local teams exchange information need.