VISION 2020

VISION 2020

The Right to Sight is the global initiative for the elimination of avoidable blindness, a joint programme of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).


VISION 2020: The Right to Sight was launched in 1999. It sought to promote:


“A world in which nobody is needlessly visually impaired, where those with unavoidable vision loss can achieve their full potential.”


The Global Initiative was set up to:


“Intensify and accelerate prevention of blindness activities so as to achieve the goal of eliminating avoidable blindness by 2020.”


It sought to do this by:


“Focussing initially on certain diseases which are the main causes of blindness and for which proven cost effective interventions are available.”


The VISION 2020 Global Initiative has subsequently been complemented and built upon by a series of additional plans. In 2006 VISION 2020 stakeholders developed an action plan for the period 2006-11, which extended the remit to focus not only upon the elimination of avoidable blindness, but to include visual impairment – particularly that caused by uncorrected refractive error.


In addition four World Health Assembly resolutions (2003, 2006, 2009 and 2013) have reinforced the aim and objectives of VISION 2020. The last two resolutions were accompanied by WHO Action Plans which have provided more detail on how the objectives were to be achieved as well as refining some of the implementation approaches.


The most recent action plan “Universal Eye Health: A global action plan 2014 – 2019" (GAP) was unanimously adopted by Member States at the World Health Assembly in 2013 as part of WHA resolution 66.4. This latest plan has an overall vision that restates that of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight whilst adding a further dimension around “universal access to comprehensive eye care services.”


The GAP also sets itself a Global Target of “Reduction in prevalence of avoidable visual impairment by 25% by 2019” (compared to the baseline prevalence of 2010). This is now seen as a more realistic global target as to what can be achieved by the end of this decade, rather than the original VISION 2020 target of global elimination by 2020. Some individual countries may achieve, or be close to, elimination by 2020.


The long-term goal of both the GAP and VISION 2020 remain the same – to rid the world of avoidable blindness and visual impairment. It is a shocking fact that in the 21st Century there are still some 285m visually impaired and blind persons and that 80% of these cases could have been prevented or treated.


VISION 2020 has made a huge difference to global eye health and has been able to create a major focus in the countries and districts where action is needed.


Awareness of the VISION 2020 brand remains strong and the aims, aspirations, principles and approaches that were at the heart of the original Global Initiative remain in place to this day

LOW VISION Telescopes

LOW VISION Telescopes

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Definition

Low-vision devices are designed to improve visual performance in children with low vision, thus enabling academic and social adaptation and providing enrichment of daily experiences. They can be optical or optical and electronic.

Types of Devices Optical

When conventional lenses do not provide required visual range, aids that have optical properties capable of promoting better visual performance through lenses are indicated.

Types of optical aids for

• Distance
• Intermediate distance
• Near

Optical Aids for Distance and Intermediate Distance

The telescopic system (TS) or telescope is an optical instrument that improves the resolution of an object by increasing the size of the image projected on the retina, making it closer. . It is available for far, near, and middle distances

Figure 1. Telescope for distant view.

A telescope enables greater participation in daily and social activities such as watching television and reading white boards, street signs, house and building numbers, billboards, and menu boards. On the other hand, restriction of visual field and illumination, difficulty in locating and focusing on objects quickly, and limited focus depth are disadvantages of the telescopes. Telescopes are not universally accepted due to expense, difficulty in using the devices, and asthetic considerations. Good coordination and training are essential.

Types of Telescopes

• Galilean or Keplerian
• Hand-held, spectacle-mounted, or clip-on
• Monocular or binocular
• Fixed focus, focusable telescope, or autofocus

Figure 2. Telescopes for distance, near, and middle distance.

Galilean Telescope

The Galilean telescope is a simple system consisting of 2 lenses:

• Objective lens: convex (plus) lens, closest to the object
• Ocular lens: minus lens, closest to the eye

The distance between the 2 lenses is determined by the difference in their focal lengths. The image produced is real and erect. It's lighter, shorter, and cheaper than the Keplerian type, thus the first-choice prescription for children. It is also the first choice in cases of peripheral field loss; in these cases, the lens order is designed in reverse (plus lens closer to the eye), providing a wider visual field.

Keplerian Telescope

Also known as astronomical or prismatic, the Keplerian telescope is an optical system that uses 2 convex (plus) lenses, the objective lens being of smaller diopter power than the ocular. The distance between the lenses is the sum of their focal lengths. The image is real and inverted, requiring a prism to reverse the image, making it longer and heavier. It produces greater visual field and better optical quality than Galilean type and costs more.

Hand-Held, Spectacle-Mounted, or Clip-On Telescope

A hand-held telescope is simpler, lighter, and cheaper than the Galilean and Keplerian types. It is particularly indicated for short activities and could be a first prescription choice for children (Figure 2).

A spectacle-mounted telescope leaves the hands free. It is useful for prolonged activities and activities that require visualization of details. However, they both weigh and cost more

The clip-on model has the advantages of both: It is lighter than the spectacle-mounted model, however, it can scratch the lenses and reduce the visual field to further distances.

Monocular or Binocular

A monocular telescope is indicated when there is a significant difference in visual acuity (VA) between the 2 eyes. It is more discreet, lighter, and cheaper. It can be used in the dominant or better-seeing eye. Binocular telescope is indicated when there is similar VA in both eyes, with the purpose of increasing the visual field, and for nystagmus. The binocular style both weighs and costs more than monocular (Figure 2)

.

Fixed-Focus, Focusable, or Autofocus Telescope

A fixed-focus telescope is indicated for children with poor motor coordination. Nowadays it is rarely prescribed; a focusable telescope reaches far, near, and intermediate distance and is preferred for and by children. The autofocus telescope both weighs and costs more and it does not constitute the first choice prescription for children.

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Low Vision Rehabilitation Helps the Legally Blind To See Again

Low Vision Rehabilitation Helps the Legally Blind To See Again

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As strange as it may sound most of the people labeled as being blind still have some sight left. Thanks to the developments in the field or rehabilitative vision, this small left vision can easily be made use of to improve or ease daily life. It is very important to understand the fact that anyone withlow visionisvisually impairedand hence subject to many problems ranging from minor to severe difficulty. Keep in mind, at the moment, there are two general classifications oflow visionin use today. These are partial and legal blindness.

It is also very important to understand the fact thatlow visiontakes many forms and exists in varying degrees. This being the case, it is very important to understand the fact that the visual acuity alone is not enough to predict the degree of the problem. Below is also an overview of the types of commonlow vision:

1. Low of central vision- it makes it difficult to read or even recognize faces and details in the distance.
2. Loss of side vision-it majorly affects mobility and slow reading since the person only gets to see a few words at a time.
3. Blurred vision-it makes objects both near and far seem out of focus.
4. Generalized haze- the sensation of a film or glare seems to extend over the entire viewing field producing patterns of relatively severe vision loss.
5. Extreme light sensitivity- it exists when the standard levels of illumination overwhelms the visual system and as a result producing a washed out image. For people with extreme light sensitivity, pain and discomfort can be experienced.
6. Night blindness- it is the inability to see outside at night under starlight or moonlight.

Depending on what you settle for, it is important to understand the fact that yourlow vision rehabilitationsolution should be advised by a specializedVision Rehabilitation Therapist.

Low Vision Devices Providing Hope for the Visually Impaired

Low Vision Devices  Providing  Hope for the Visually Impaired

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       Are you having trouble seeing properly enough to read? Are you having trouble watching TV or writing checks? Well, if yes then you may need to see a low vision rehabilitation specialist and also get to understand the fact that: these are simple some of the daily tasks which stand to become very difficult with low visionor better yet vision loss. It is important to understand the fact that even though these conditions with the eyes are not treatable, there are several solutions to making them better for instance video magnifier and that there is hope.

     Perhaps there might not be a cure for your eye disease but there are certainlylow vision devices which can help you to do some of the things which your limited sight may otherwise not allow you to do. It is important to understand the fact that most eye diseases usually do not result into total blindness. This is because there is most often some useable sight remaining and which is enough to regain independent living skills once proper magnification or illumination is brought about. Simply put, you are not visually impaired if you have some usable vision.

      Looking back, telescopes and strong magnifiers were by far the only tools which the visually impaired had access to. Although these older devices are still useful, at the moment, there are countless obstacles for those with limited sight. For instance, when magnification is increased, the field of view is greatly reduced. This effect is clearly evident when using binoculars.  Magnification can either be increased or reduced plus at the moment there are low vision doctors who recommend low vision rehabilitation and other tools to individuals which low vision. Remember, most of the standard devices which are recommended by low vision specialist are very helpful in making the condition better hence the reason you are advised to consider them.

Low Vision at a glance

Low Vision at a glance

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Low vision is a condition in which an individual is diagnosed with partial sight problems. This condition is not operable and characteristic of several symptoms such as tunnel vision, legal or total blindness amongst others. There are several known causes oflow vision. For instance, besides injuries to the eyes, there are a series of other diseases which have been found to cause this condition. 

As strange as it may sound, for some people, low vision is a hereditary issue while in others it is caused by lack of acuity which simply means that objects never seem to come into focus prompting the use of low vision aids or a reading magnifier. Some low vision sufferers have a very hard time distinguishing colors or find it hard to see contracts or even determine spatial relationships between objects. In such cases using a magnifier for low vision will go a long way in helping improve sight.

Another very important thing to take note of is the fact that just about anyone can be affected by low vision. As a matter of fact, there are several dangerous factors which are associated with this ailment which include, safe driving, viewing of objects as well as reading quickly. Speaking of reading quickly, you may need to consider using a reading magnifier.

From the above, it is clearly evident that people with low vision will often find it very difficult to live an independent life. It is for this reason that some become overly dependent on friends and family. You will be glad to learn that there are several low vision devices and treatments which individuals can use to cope with their vision impairment. All you need is simply to have the doctor evaluate the severity of your low vision problem and have a particular low visionaid recommended for you. 

Careers for the Visually Impaired

Careers for the Visually Impaired

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Beingvisually impaireddoes not have to mean the end of the road for you. Just so you are aware, there are tons of people who are struggling withlow visionand still employed or working with successful mainstream companies.  It is however very important to understand the fact that there are no dearth of careers for thevisually impaired, there are definitely those who will actually provide you with visual impairment to help cope with the problem at hand.

Functioning with visual impairment in a job which suits you and brings you a lot of satisfaction is not difficult taking into consideration the fact that there are many careers for thevisually impaired.  You are suppose to shine in jobs which you do not need to repeat the same instructions or even concentrate on particular skills on a regular basis.

Below is an overview of some of the top careers for thevisually impaired. They include:

1. Working with Braille- you can convert materials which are in words into Braille. Such kinds of work are readily and easily available in most publishing houses where books are converted into Braille format. You will agree and support the fact that this kind of job is extremely fulfilling since you actually know the kind of service which you are offering helps make thelow visionimpairment easy to cope with.
2. Working as a trainer or guide for those visually impaired- it is considered to be one of the best careers for thevisually impairedsince there is actual knowledge of the obstacles which stand in the way. As the trainer, you will be able to help make sure that those with sight problems are not only treated right but also that they get the right due from society at large. By doing so you will be able to assist those with impairments mature and grow into independent minded people able to take the world just like you did.

Simply put,low visionshould not discourage you. From the above, it is clearly evident that there is a host of jobs waiting for you. Pluslow vision rehabilitationoffers access to an endless list of possibilities for visual challenges. All you need to do is imply to get hold of alow vision specialist.

Low Vision Rehabilitation: what to expect and an overview of how to handle yourself

Low Vision Rehabilitation: what to expect and an overview of how to handle yourself

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Any elderly person is subject to developing various kinds of vision problems. Just so you know, some of these eye problems can be progressive meaning that you would have to go through accelerating stages at a particular period right from the moment you not it developing. As strange as it may sound, eye problems may sometimes come in the form of simple blurred vision, blind spots, floaters, and sometime to even more serious one such as glaucoma, retinal detachment etc all of which have been found to contribute to vision loss.

Just so you know there are some eye disorders which can be treated by simple eye drops or wearing glasses. There are some however which may require that you go through a series of eye surgeries. It is highly recommended for most people to visit an experienced optometrist in order to have their eyes checked. Doing so is extremely important since it will help you prevent much of the serious types of eye disease.

Below is an overview of some of the things which you need to know concerning your vision. They include the fact that:

a. Any change in vision such as blind spot, halos around lights, blurriness and dimness of vision experienced should be communicated to a professional eye expert (low vision specialist). To you, these might seem like minor problems but in real sense there might be an underlying possibility that these changes are signs of a much serious problem within.

b. It is important to familiarize yourself with most of the common disorders which you may have at your particular age taking into consideration the fact that there are various diseases which are related to aging.

c. Although there are several self treatment tips available online, it is strongly advised that you seek professional assistance in order to have your eye condition properly treated.

d. You should always make sure that you wear the right prescription eye glasses or contact lenses for that matter since there are some eye problems which have been found to be treatable using prescription glasses.

In addition to the above, it is strongly advised that you observe safety measures especially if you have vision problems. For instance, in case you have already established that you have trouble seeing at night, you should refrain from driving after dusk. 

Low Vision and an overview of Its Effect on seniors as well as the Elderly

Low Vision and an overview of Its Effect on seniors as well as the Elderly

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What is low vision? This is a progressive eye condition which according to reports affects as much as 15 million people across the globe. More specifically, this condition involves the attack of the macula of the eye which in case you are not aware is by far the sharpest central vision area. As much as this condition rarely leads to complete blindness, it is very important to note that the individual is robbed of the outermost, peripheral vision as a result only leaving him with a dim image or in some cases black holes at the center of vision.

Below is an overview of some of the causes of AMD, they include:

i. Mascular degeneration

ii. Diabetes

iii. Glaucoma

iv. Retinitis Pigmentosa as well as Cognital neurologic

v. Neurologic

It is very important to understand and accept the fact that AMD has been found to affect senior members of the family in a variety of ways as a result turning even the most basic tasks of daily living into an exercise. Below are highlights of some of the key ways through which low vision stands to affect your elderly loved one. They include:

a. Negatively affecting daily activities such as bathing, eating, dressing, moving around etc. This is clearly evident from the fact that any attempt to try out any of these activities ends up leaving the affected elderly individual in a precarious situation.

b. Negatively impacting driving in the sense that understanding combination of skills required to drive are compromised. This coupled by in adequate lighting stands to place the elderly in danger.

c. Negatively impacts social life. In case you are not aware low vision has a tendency to limit senior citizens to their homes (comfort zones). This is clearly supported by the fact that adults who are dealing with low vision tend to have a hard time moving around unfamiliar territory compared to moving around in their homes or any other familiar grounds.

Good news is low vision is treatable as in the condition can be improved for instance by reaching out to a visionRehabilitation Therapist who will then employ different low vision rehabilitation treatment techniques. Everything taken into consideration, it is important to make sure if your elderly loved one is experiencing low vision as a result of age related macular degeneration, you should immediately contact a low vision rehabilitation specialist for assistance on how you loved one can utilize their remaining vision in the most optimal manner possible.

Is Being Visually Impaired in any way the same as Being Legally Blind?

Is Being Visually Impaired in any way the same as Being Legally Blind?

Freedom Eye Technology Ltd http://www.freedom-eye.com | date：2016-07-04　 | Source： www.freedom-eye.com　| Read：5

Is Being Visually Impaired in any way the same as Being Legally Blind? Just like many people, you may be wondering whether being visually impaired is the same as being legally blind.  well, just so you know, beingvisually impaired simply means that your vision is either affected by visual problems such as you having no peripheral vision, having problem seeing in certain areas, generally have low eye sight as well as not being able to see in 3 dimension or see in color. Being legally blind on the other hand simply means that your vision is 5% and less or that your visual impairment is so severe that the percentage of actual vision is in the same category. One thing which I have personally come to lean about is the fact that: in spite of poor eyesight, it is extremely amazing to see how acute other senses tend to develop as time goes by. As strange as it may sound, it is true. As time goes by, if you are visually impaired, you will find yourself paying close attention to all the information which other sense give you. In fact, you will be very different from other people most of whom unfortunately rely on so much visual cues. Generally speaking, you will realize that you are more than able to explain or describe an activity without necessarily forgetting important steps such as how to properly guide somebody else effectively, how to act around or with a guide dog etc. You will be glad to learn that as time goes by, you will be able to learn the emotional up and downs which are associated with facing the difficulties related to gradually becoming legally blind including the best approach to becoming independent. everything taken into consideration, not only will being visually impaired help you realize the actual benefit of sight, it will equally help you figure out the best way to survive in the world in which you have no sight.

A COMMUNITY CLUB

A COMMUNITY CLUB

By Mat Killeen

Football is by far the most popular sport in England.  Historically, what this has meant is that the football club would be at the heart of the community.  For one south-coast club however, this has taken on an all-together new meaning.

Two-time English league champions, Portsmouth, have seen many changes in their 118-year history.  From being the longest reigning FA Cup champions in English football history during the 1930s and 40s to administration in 2012, the club has now stabilised and looks to plot their root back up the footballing pyramid.

The club currently resides in Sky Bet League Two, the bottom tier of the English football
 league system.  This is not the first time the Blues’ have been this low, having spent two seasons there in 1978/79 and 1979/80.

In the last few years, the club has suffered with severe financial trouble coinciding with several changes of ownership.  This led in 2012, to the Portsmouth Supporters’ Trust launching a takeover bid.  This was successful and saw Pompey take it’s place in an exclusive group of football clubs in England to be fan-owned.

A member of the PST, Colin Farmery, reflected on the attitude taken by the group to buy the club saying: ‘For the community bid to buy the club, the key thing we had to do was break the link with the past.  The bid recognised that if Portsmouth were to thrive in the

 future would need to lose the debt because anybody who bought the club in the future would always be hamstrung by it’.

Most of the work done by the new owners of the club in the past three years, has taken place off the field.  This has seen some re-development of their Fratton Park home, along with a new training base being opened in the heart of the city.  Along with the clearance of the past debts, this has allowed the club to start laying the foundations upon which to build for the future and their potential rise back through the leagues.

I asked Colin, a Pompey fan since 1970, where he saw the club going in the future.  He said: ‘I very much see our goal as getting Portsmouth back to the Championship.  This would put Pompey back where they have been for the majority of the last 50 years’.  Farmery described Portsmouth as a ‘top-flight aspiring club’, not one which is there every season, but one which, if it dropped to the third or fourth tier, would still get on or upwards of 15,000 fans for home matches.

Another subject that has been prevalent in the club’s recent history, is that of physically where they would be playing their football.  There have been a few plans down the years of possible moves, one of which would have seen the club relocate to the harbour-side.  None of these came to fruition however, and the club has remained at it’s home since 1890.  Asked whether this might change in the future, Colin said: ‘You never say never.  For the best past of 50 years, people have been trying to find a new site for a stadium’.

But of course, a community club is more than just what happens surrounding the first team.  It is about how young players have the chance to progress through the system and how other sections of society are provided the opportunity to participate in football.

Among the notable graduates from the Portsmouth Academy in the past, include Scotland international Matt Richie, Marlon Pack, Jed Wallace, Dan Butler and current Pompey first-team member, Jack Whatmaugh.

Another element of the community nature of the club is the women’s team.  Portsmouth FC Ladies, who were founded in 1987 and currently ply their trade in Women’s Premier League South Division.  Among the team’s successes are 10 Hampshire Cup victories, the most recent of which came against Basingstoke in 2016, and twice league winners in 2011/12 and 2014/15.

Before the 2016 Hampshire Cup final, now ex-manager, Perry Northeast, offered an insight into how the team had progressed during his three years in charge.  He said: ‘In my three years in charge, last season was the magical one.  We won the Southern Division on a very limited budget and produced some great young players’.  Northeast also paid tribute to the role the Football Association had played in helping to develop women’s football saying: ‘The FA have been the drivers.  They have been drawing a lot of funding from Sport England, which has gone into the female game.  They have also driven clubs to ensure that their professionalism and the level of capital being invested, is high to ensure the game is sustainable.’

Despite the positives, it has not all been good for the south-coast outfit.  When the Women’s Super League was launched in 2010, clubs had to apply to be awarded a franchise in the new division.  Pompey were unsuccessful in their bid to join the now top division.  The club also failed to gain promotion after losing out in a play-off after winning the PLSD in 2014/15.

When asked how he thought the club could progress over the next few seasons, Northeast commented that he thought it was all about what the club did off the field.  He highlighted the coaching system at the club which supported a good on-field set-up.  He said: ‘If Portsmouth do this they could be in the Super League in five years and Champions League within 10 years’.

The link between the men’s team and the women’s team is not based on financial support, as it is with some of the bigger teams, but there is support offered by the men’s team where possible.  However, they both play their role in ensuring the brand of Portsmouth FC is one which has strong links with the community, and one that knows it’s limitations and how best to cope with these.

It is clear to see that on all sides, the ambition is there to ensure that whether it is the men’s team or the women’s team, they achieve their full potential.

Photos by : Dave Taylor

DAY TO TO WINDSOR CASTLE

DAY TO TO WINDSOR CASTLE

Back in April my wife and I had a day trip to Windsor Castle, we used a local coach company as i do not drive anymore due to my sight loss.

The weather was very pleasant and luck was with us because it did not rain at all, we arrived around 11am and quickly proceeded to the the castle.

This being our first time there i was surprised to see how clean it was, having said that it is the Queens home away from Buckingham Palace, we joined the long line of people to pay before entering the castle and WoW what a sight,

 so where do i begin i think a little history may be in order, so courtesy of the WINDSOR CASTLE official souvenir guide i will pass of some knowledge.

Windsor Castle was founded by William the Conqueror at the the end of the eleventh century and have been home to 39 monarchs  and is the oldest royal residence in the UK.

In 2005 Prince Charles married the Duchess of Cornwall in Windsor Guildhall,

the castle today has been developed over near 1000 years by four monarchs

William the Conqueror who founded the castle,Edward III (1327 - 1377)

Charles II (1660 - 1685) and George IV.

The first things you see when walking around the castle is the fine art and antiques as well as the plush carpets, speaking of the carpets, on the stairs the colour are red and they blend into each step and i almost fell down because i could not see where one step ended and the other began.

From the Waterloo room to the crimson Drawing  Room to the dolls house on display and then on into the chapel  where some monarchs are laid to rest.

After the great fire that broke out in Queen Victoria’s private chapel  the fire spread rapidly through the roof and destroyed the ceiling of St Georges’s Hall and the Grand Reception room as well as the Crimson Drawing Room, the State Dinning Room, and you can imagine how devastated the Queen was.

In and around Windsor there are plenty of parks to walk through and if you wish you can do a river cruise.

Dining out in Windsor was not as expensive as i thought we found a nice hotel near the castle which was reasonable to the pocket.

All in all a trip i would recommend  to anyone who loves the royal family and the history.

By : Dave Taylor