As part of our work on strengthening the evidence base for post-clinical (or community) support for people with vision impairment, Vision Collaborative Scotland is working with the University of Melbourne and Glasgow Caledonian University on ground-breaking research into the effectiveness of vision rehabilitation and habilitation.
The Impact of Vision Impairment (IVI) research study collects data on the impact of vision rehabilitation and habilitation on people living with vision impairment in Scotland. The study administers a series of validated questionnaires to collect data specifically on the impact of therapy on quality of life, anxiety, depression, and falls. Vision impaired people are recruited through their local service provider and data is collected before and after intervention.
This research is the first known piece of academic research to be conducted on vision habilitation and rehabilitation and the impact of vision on quality of life in Scotland. The study has the potential to significantly impact service delivery and drive service change for the future.
The study has been funded by Vision Collaborative Scotland member organisations Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Scotland. Data collection for the study will end in spring 2026, and publication is expected by summer 2026.
Growing the VI Rehabilitation Workforce in Scotland
Vision Collaborative Scotland has launched, in partnership with the University of Strathclyde, two new professional training courses in Vision Rehabilitation. New courses full for 2026, applications open for 2027 start.
Support After Sight Loss Campaign
Vision rehabilitation is the specialist support that empowers people to adapt, rebuild confidence and live independently after sight loss. In Scotland right now, far too many people either can't access it, or are waiting far too long.
Vision Collaborative Scotland
Vision Collaborative Scotland is an unincorporated consortium of third-sector organisations which all work to support people with vision impairments in Scotland.