Visual Impairment Forum
The Forum's aim is to provide a means by which all the local stakeholders working for people with sight loss can share knowledge of participants' services; to provide a communication route between voluntary and statutory organisations; to engage with the VCSA's wider role; and to be a vehicle locally for pursuing the UK Vision Strategy (launched April 2008).
The UK Vision Strategy, predicated on closer communication and partnership between all the relevant agencies, addresses:
- improvement of eye health
- elimination of avoidable sight loss
- excellent support for those with sight loss
- inclusion, participation and independence for those with sight loss
The Forum covers Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and is attended by local representatives of the sight loss voluntary sector (Shropshire Voluntary Association for the Blind, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Macular Disease Society, RNIB, Action for Blind, etc) and other key agencies (the Community Council of Shropshire, both PCTs, Sensory Impairment Teams of both Local Authorities, local Ophthalmic and Optometrist services, specialist education services, etc).
The Forum meetings have been well attended since its launch in July 2008. The Forum's discussions are supplementing and promoting the local efforts to implement the UK Vision Strategy, and to achieve improved co-ordination across the sight loss sector. To find out more contact Robin Durham, Secretary, Shropshire Voluntary Association for the Blind, Disability Resource Centre, Lancaster Road, Shrewsbury SY1 3NJ (Tel 01743 450912, email SVABadmin@shropshire.gov.uk).
Please see attached below minutes from the Visual Impairment Forum meeting held on 11 November 09.
Visual Impairment Minutes 11 Nov 09 (35.87KB)
The next meeting of the Forum is on 24 February 2010, 4pm - 6.00pm in the Executive Dining Room at the Shirehall.