What does this service provide?

Who we are

We are a multi-disciplinary assessment and advisory clinic for children and young adults under the age of 19 with disabilities and visual impairment.

What we do

We carry out a range of practical assessments and observations with you to establish what problems you have with your vision and how you use it. This may include an assessment of:

  • visual field
  • visual acuity
  • your ability to make eye contact
  • recognising familiar faces and objects
  • eye movements
  • perception of movement and tracking
  • your ability to look and listen
  • your ability to visually attend to an object or a task
  • how you use your vision in different lighting situations
  • whether you observe activity or objects across the room or only within a close range
  • your ability to see letters and words and to see details in picture

Appointment information

Appointment types

Our appointments take place in one of our outpatient clinic rooms at Chailey Clinical Services. When you arrive, our receptionist will check we have your correct details and show you where to wait for your appointment. A member of our team will meet you and take you to the clinic room.

Each appointment takes between 2–2½ hours. At the end of your assessment, we will ensure you have a 15-minute break before we discuss our findings and recommendations with you.

Following your appointment, a report will be sent within 3 weeks documenting the discussion and advice provided. It will be sent to your GP, teacher, and any other relevant healthcare professional.

Who you’ll see

During your assessment, you will meet the following members of our team:

  • consultant paediatrician
  • honorary consultant paediatrician
  • sensory needs teacher
  • senior specialist occupational therapist
  • specialist speech and language therapist

We are happy to invite your teacher, therapist, or other clinicians that you may like to attend.

Why should I come to a Functional Vision Clinic?

  • There are many reasons why you may benefit from visiting the Functional Vision Clinic. These include:
  • meeting with a multidisciplinary team who can help you establish what vision you have and how you are currently using it
  • you may need a clinical and educational programme to improve your functional vision
  • being provided with information on your functional vision towards your Statement of Special Educational Needs
  • People working with you may need help and advice on how to present visual information to you

What do I need to bring to the clinic?

It would be useful if you could bring any relevant clinical records or letters, particularly your ophthalmology report if you have one. We need to know how well you can see in different situations so we may request information, with your consent, from your teacher, therapists, or others. It would be helpful to bring any special seat you may have, your glasses and any hearing aids if appropriate.

Please feel free to bring any drinks or snacks that you may require.

How can I access this service?

We accept referrals from your GP, paediatrician, or other healthcare professionals. Our service is available to children and young adults under the age of 19.

We accept referrals from any area but if your GP is located outside of Sussex we will require funding to be obtained before acceptance.

Where can I access this service?

Contact details
Telephone: 01825 722 112
Where to find us
Address: Chailey Clinical Services, Beggers Wood Road, Chailey, BN8 4JN

You can find us using the what3words address snippet below on the what3words website:

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Alternatively, use the Google map below to get directions and plan your journey:

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Opening hours

Functional Vision is held at Chailey Clinical Services on the third Wednesday of every month.

More detailed information about the date, time and location of your appointment can be found on your appointment letter.

Waiting times

You will receive a letter notifying you of the outcome of your referral.

For those accepted, we aim to see all new consultant led referrals within 18 weeks.

Let's get social

You can also get involved by engaging with our service's social media accounts by helping with the latest fundraisers and events.

Get the best from your NHS

If you need advice about our services, facilities or staff, or would like to make a comment, please contact Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS).

Contact details

You can contact PALS by the following:

Telephone: 01273 242 292

Give feedback

Tell us what you think about our services, what we are good at, where we can improve, and what matters to you? All feedback will be shared anonymously wherever possible, but if you have any questions about this, please ask.

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