Visual issues; feedback on meetings with the RNIB. 1 good and 2 bad.

[pinkvision]

Contacted the RNIB and arranged two phone meetings, one with an optometrist and the other with a sight technology expert.

Lets start with the bad, visual conditions. The RNIB have no expertise with visual issues after a brain injury. The page on their site about visual issues after stroke is just for information only and they don't actually know anything about it at all from an ophthalmological or optometric point of view and can't offer any advice on the information they have shared.

Had a long and interesting chat with the tech guy. He sent me links to computer screens that he said did not use LED lights. These are called LCD screens. I did a quick wiki search and found that LCD technology uses LED or fluorescent lighting to produce an image. The tech guy was wrong here's the page so you can check for yourself:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liqui...

Next the tech guy said there were glasses available to protect you from LED light flicker in buildings and on computer screens

theraspecs.com/

I tried to buy a pair of these glasses but they do not ship or sell them in the UK.

I asked some US brain injury contacts if these glasses are any use. They said they did not work and are made for people with mild sensitivities to screen, LED lights and bright sunlight. They said they were no good for TBI issues.

I did send an email to the tech guy to ask if he had just searched on google and just sent me these links without actually knowing anything about the products. Will wait for the answer. (in the back of my mind I have the feeling that the guy is just fobbing me off)

All crap so far

But then the good.

I was told that if you have any visual impairment and it can be confirmed by an optician, ophthalmologist, optometrist and your GP can back it up you can apply for visual impairment registration and card from your local council. This card can be used to ensure any services you use, NHS, government (DWP), private company or anything that is a legitimate registered service or business will have to adapt to your needs. You can also get free public travel passes and other concessions approved by your council.

I'm going to try this out and see if I can register and get a card. My medical records say I have a damaged visual cortex so the GP bit will be fine, but can I register? I already have a bus pass (old git like I am) but I am wondering if this will include rail travel as well, maybe it allows you to jump the queue at airports and use the first class lounge, you never know.

[Stubble]

My daughter uses her sunflower lanyard when flying as it gets her fast-tracked at check in and security but, sadly, doesn't get her any closer to first class lounge facilities...

[pinkvision in reply to Stubble]

That's weird because you don't need any disability to have a sunflower lanyard, you can just self identify and you only have to buy one in a shop or on amazon or ebay.

[Teazymaid]

oh wow very interesting the good bits that is .. I’m in the middle of eye investing as this has only started in the last 6-8weeks .. but very interested to see how you get on with it .. the crap bit as you said is crap ans unfortunately this seems to be the same where ever we go with out brain injuries .. I think I’m still shocked at how bad the after care is or actually isn't, plus emotional support in understanding the life of us wonky people 🤪 sue

[pinkvision in reply to Teazymaid]

It's worth following it up just to see what happens and it may benefit myself and other people if it can be done.

[Shreds]

PV you will qualify for a disabled persons railcard giving a third off rail fares (but you may be able to get cheaper by booking in advance anyway….depends on the train company).

If you were in London and a London resident over 60 you can get an Oyster card (cost £20 plus the need to submit verification) for free bus tram and rail travel or if over retirement age, a Freedom Pass which has extra benefits. I dont know if the Welsh Govt run any similar schemes for the disabled or the elderly but worth checking. Same with Scotland who have different devolved rules on such things.

As usual thanks for the research and interesting posts here.