Certification for vision impairment: researching perceptions, processes and practicalities in health and social care professionals and patients.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To explore the patient experience, and the role of ophthalmologists and other health and social care professionals in the certification and registration processes and examine the main barriers to the timely certification of patients.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

Telephone interviews with health and social care professionals and patients in three areas in England.

Participants

43 health and social care professionals who are part of the certification or registration process. 46 patients certified as severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted) within the previous 12 months.

Results

Certification and registration are life changing for patients and the help they receive can substantially improve their lives. Despite t

SUBMITTER: Boyce T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3987725 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature