A visual impairment is a long term, medically defined, visual impairment that cannot be corrected with standard glasses or contact lenses; including visual processing difficulties such as Cerebral Visual Impairment. The child or young person’s impairment has an impact on their access to the curriculum and on their ability to be fully involved in learning and social activities.
The NATSIP eligibility framework helps to assess levels of visual impairment, specialist support. NATSIP framework considers a wide range of contextual factors in addition to the degree of VI or HI impairment.
Degrees of visual impairment
The following are nationally agreed definitions of degrees of vision loss. They refer to the corrected vision (with glasses/contact lenses if worn) in the better eye.
Mild loss – slightly reduced distance vision of 6/12-6/18 with good near vision OR a diagnosed visual condition.
Moderate loss – reduced distance vision of 6/18-6/36 and slightly reduced near vision OR moderately reduced distance vision of 6/24-6/36 but poor near vision requiring enlargement of materials.
Severe loss – 6/36-3/60. The young person may have some, but not necessarily all, of the following in addition to those in levels 1 and 2:difficulty accessing large amounts of text so that modified materials are required / safety issues with regard to PE, practical science, technology / require mobility and independence and daily life skills training.
Profound loss – educationally blind, using Braille to access the curriculum, 3/60 or less. The young person may have some, but not necessarily all, of the following in addition to those in levels 1, 2 and 3: unable to handwrite / need to use mobility aids and training to move around safely / use Braille or audio to access text.
If a child or young person’s rate of progress is slower than others, this does not necessarily mean that they have SEN or that it is definitely related to a visual impairment. Individuals learn and progress at different rates and times. If progress is much slower than other people, slower than previously or appears to cease, then this should be immediately investigated and supported through an ‘assess, plan, do, review’ process.