Visual impairment support service

Use this guide to find information and support if your child or young person has a visual impairment.

If your child is diagnosed with a visual impairment

Visual impairment is a sight loss that cannot be fully corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Vision loss can be moderate, severe or profound. Childhood visual impairment is rare in the UK. Most children with severe visual impairment are identified as babies by the health services.

Significant visual impairment can delay early childhood development, social communication, mobility and everyday living skills, so it is important to seek help as early as possible.

People with severe visual loss may be given a Certificate of Visual Impairment by the eye hospital. This is sent to Lambeth Social Care team who will refer to Visual Impairment Support Service, Education.