The Developmental Vision Clinic is a specialist clinic for children with visual impairment. The clinic assesses the child’s functional vision (what the child can see in “real life”) in the context of their development and provides recommendations to support the child at home and school. Liaison is required with Specialist Advisory Teachers for children with visual impairment in order to provide a coordinated approach to optimizing the child’s potential. Severe visual impairment impacts on all areas of development.
Referrals
We accept referrals of newly diagnosed infants with severe visual impairment. These children are seen as soon as possible after diagnosis to provide support and advice early in order to avoid preventable delays in development. They are reviewed at regularly intervals, working closely with local professionals.
We also see older children with severe visual impairment where there are specific questions about their vision.
Assessment
An appointment for the clinic will be sent by post. The clinic is held in the Child Development Centre at the Great North Children’s Hospital. Information from the local team is sought prior to the appointment.
Initially a visual assessment is carried out by the orthoptists (specialists in the assessment of functional vision) while the child is still attentive. Time is then spent talking to parents to understand their concerns and questions. This includes a full discussion with parents about the findings and follow-up arrangements are agreed.
Where appropriate further assessments can be arranged to address other developmental concerns.
Parents are copied into the written report to the referring clinician and other relevant professionals.
Team
The Developmental Vision Clinic team includes consultant paediatric neurologist, consultant paediatric neurodisability, consultant ophthalmologist orthoptists and optician.
Contact: Ms Karen Armstrong-Jordan
Secretary to Dr Anita Devlin and Dr Yasmin de Alwis
Office Block 1, Level 2, Clinical Resource Building, RVI
Tel: 0191 2821385 (Option No. 1) / Ext. 25240
