One-stop Low-Vision Optometry and Counseling Services

We can success when we gather our strength

Beginning

As a professional medical team, Ophthalmologists and Optometrists focus on treating patients' eye problems. With social progress, medical institutions not only consider the physical condition of patients and arrange appropriate treatment, and also take care of their emotional needs.

In order to cooperate with the low vision assessment and comprehensive specialist services in the form of counseling, General Eye and Low Vision Centre hired a full-time social worker in October 2016. Patients should make appointment to receive the service. Firstly, they will meet the Optometrist, and then meet the social worker for counseling if need.

New Challenges

It is not easy to prepare and implement a new project. We need well understanding and do lots of adjustments for the project. It is a challengeespecially to the social worker and Optometrists.As social worker need to conduct interview and assessment for the visually impaired, she must has an understanding of the basic knowledge of eyes, related diseases and treatment options. Optometrists also need to understand the profession of social work in order to effectively encourage patients to accept the support services provided by the Center. The cooperation between social worker and Optometrists are significant, and the coordination among with colleagues has become the key to success of the project.

Staff Sharings

Mr. Yip, a registered Optometrist:

"When I encountered patients with severe low vision, I realized that professional social worker would help. I hoped that colleagues in different positions would provide better services to low vision patients.”

Ms. Liu, a registered social worker:

"This program allows us to work together to provide the best support to patients across disciplines. I have also gained a lot of information when communicating with patients, which allowed me to have a better understanding  on the difficulties and needs what they faced, enabling me to share experience with other visually impaired.”

Visually Impaired Users

Ms. Chan, Office lady:

"I need to read letters and documents for my work, it looks rare when using a desktop magnifier but it is difficult for me to focus when using handheld magnifier.The staff teaches me how to use different types of handheld magnifier to focus,I can use it more accurately now!”

Uncle Ng, Elderly living alone:

"In future, I will be able to read letters, utility bills and newspapers by myself, and I do not need go to elderly centre to seek help from staff.”

People who make an appointment for Low Vision Assessment service, will be arranged to meet a registered Optometrist first.

Ms. Liu (left), a registered social worker, who will ask low vision patients to conduct interviews in a comfortable environment, and provide professional advice or referral services by assessing their psychological and family conditions.

A visually impaired staff of the Centre (left) cooperates with the Low Vision Assessment and counseling program to provide assistive device demonstrations and counseling services for different ages of visually impaired.

The Vision Corner set up on the ground floor of the East Wing, HQ  provids professional optician services for patients.

The Low Vision Assessment service received unanimous support from patients.

Professional Optometrists team of Eye Care Centre