Abstract
This study aims to determine the contribution of different professional groups in the provision of low vision services in the UK. A 29-point questionnaire was posted to all known potential providers of services in the UK. Those providing low vision services were asked about the professionals working within their ?low vision team?, who they had links with, and the nature of those communications. Thirty-two different professional groups were reported to be involved in low vision teams with any one individual team varying from a single practitioner to eight different professional groups. Professional groups cited with greatest frequency were optometrists (52%), dispensing opticians (27%), rehabilitation workers (21%), ophthalmologists (14%), and specialist teachers (14%). Many professionals not previously widely known to be involved in visual rehabilitation in the UK were reported as members of some teams. Professionals within low vision teams referred people to one or more of 31 different types of agency or professional. There was large variation in the extent and nature of links low vision teams had with other professionals or agencies. Ten percent of providers who responded reported no links at all. Evidence suggests that the more professional groups involved in a low vision team, the more extensive the service provided. Many low vision services in the UK are multi-disciplinary. For low vision services to satisfy a user?s needs, more co-operation between professionals and agencies involved in low vision service provision is required.