New eye care support pathway launched to help children and young people with vision impairments.
A brand-new eye care support pathway has been launched by over 20 organisations across health, education and the charity sector, with the goal of ensuring children and young people with vision impairments in England receive consistent, high-quality support.
The eye care support pathway for children and young people with a vision impairment in England sets out a clear and structured framework for families, healthcare professionals, social care teams and education providers. It details the services and entitlements available to families – from initial concerns and appointments, through to diagnosis and ultimately to living well with a vision impairment.
At its core, the pathway aims to empower families with the knowledge, clarity and confidence they need to access the right support at the right time. It brings together the NHS healthcare journey with broader educational and social care systems to ensure no child or young person is left behind due to a lack of coordination or awareness.
For professionals and commissioners, the pathway outlines what effective, integrated care should look like in practice. It supports consistent, collaborative approaches between services and helps ensure a smoother experience for families navigating complex systems.
This new guidance was co-produced with input from children and families, healthcare and educational professionals, social care experts, and charity sector partners. It is also designed to align with existing frameworks such as the eye care support pathway for adults and the curriculum framework for children and young people with vision impairments.
As a local charity supporting people of all ages with sight loss, OpenSight welcomes this new pathway and recognises the huge value it offers to families across our region. Navigating eye care and support systems can often feel overwhelming – especially when a child is first diagnosed with a vision impairment. This pathway gives families clarity, direction and reassurance during what can be a very challenging time.
At OpenSight, we’re here to help make that journey easier. Whether you’re looking for information, emotional support or practical advice, our team is on hand to connect families with the resources and services they need. If you’re based in Hampshire and want to learn more about how we can support your family, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The full pathway can be accessed here: https://gd-prod.azureedge.net/-/media/project/guidedogs/guidedogsdotorg/files/services-we-provide/education-support/guide-dogs—cyp-eye-care-support-pathway_accessible.pdf
This launch marks a significant step forward in ensuring that children and young people with vision impairments and their families, get the consistent, informed and compassionate support they deserve – every step of the way.
