Assessment and Rehabilitation

We have a team of skilled professionals who work with people in Surrey who have a vision impairment. All Sensory Specialist Workers are trained to at least diploma level in Rehabilitation Studies and have national accreditation in assessment for people with combined sight and hearing loss, with one team member holding a diploma in Deafblind Studies. The wealth of experience in delivering services for more than 20 years has created an invaluable resource of knowledge and expertise.

The aim of our service is to empower people to have choice and control over their lives and, if desired, to live as independently as possible.

To access Sight for Surrey’s services, there is no need to be registered as having a vision impairment.

For information and advice about this service or to discuss specific needs, please contact us.

How we help

Is your sight loss causing you difficulty with:

  • reading
  • pouring liquids, preparing meals or performing other activities in the kitchen
  • crossing the road
  • communicating with others
  • accessing information
  • accessing the community?

We can help with:

  • Information and advice
  • An opportunity to talk through the effects of sight loss and combined sight and hearing loss with highly trained staff
  • Professional assessment of your needs.
  • Everyday living skills advice
  • Equipment to help you to manage at home
  • Mobility training to help you get about safely
  • Communication skills training.

Our services are open to anyone who normally lives within the county of Surrey and who has a serious sight problem or combined sight and hearing loss.

We also provide essential information and support for friends and families of people with vision impairment.

Sight for Surrey maintains the register of people with vision impairment for Surrey County Council.

Is there a charge?

  • There is no charge for specialist assessment or for rehabilitation for people who meet Surrey County Council’s eligibility criteria
  • You can purchase equipment from the Resource Centre and receive free, impartial advice
  • In some cases equipment may be issued on free loan
  • Sight for Surrey will also consider applications for grants for specialist equipment.

Rehabilitation Support Workers

Sight for Surrey is pleased to offer Rehabilitation Support workers across Surrey. A Rehabilitation Support worker could be a vital link between someone with sight loss or combined sight and hearing loss and many other services. A worker will get in touch with a client six months after they have received services from our Assessment and Rehabilitation Team to offer further support both from Sight for Surrey and external agencies. Their aim is to provide support and to create and maintain independence and well being.

The Rehabilitation Support workers by locality are –

North West Surrey
Sheila Burrowes
Sarah Davies
Kate Philpot

South West Surrey
Julie Walsh
Wendy Skwarska

East Surrey

Sue Grass
Kate Mayhew
Claire Whitehead