Training low vision practitioners to screen and refer for depression

A research study to determine low vision practitioners’ current practice and beliefs around depression, and to evaluate the impact of training on attitudes and practice.

Sight low and depression

43% of people with sight loss attending low vision clinics in the UK are experiencing significant depressive symptoms, and 75% are not receiving any help for their mental wellbeing (Nollett et al, 2016). This is in part because depression is not always identified in this group of people (Crawford et al, 1998). Left untreated, depression can severely affect quality of life and limit a person’s ability to benefit from low vision rehabilitation.

Practitioner training

To improve the early identification and management of depression, the Low Vision Service Wales (LVSW) are, this year, introducing compulsory training for all low vision practitioners in Wales. They will be taught how to use a two question screening tool to identify depression and to refer to the GP where appropriate. Early detection and management should enable patients to engage more fully in rehabilitation and improve their quality of life. We are conducting a research study around this training to determine practitioners’ current practice and beliefs around depression, and to evaluate the impact of the training on attitudes and practice.