Christine Hazelton

Contents1. Vision problems after stroke

2. Scottish Vision & Stroke Network

3. SVSN Projects

Vision Problems

• Visual field loss

• Eye movement disorders

• Visual neglect

Visual Field Loss

Prevalence: 20-57%

Area affected: the same side of the visual field in both eyes

Most common: homonymous hemianopia

Visual Field Defects

Visual Field DefectsMobility

Functional ability

Reading

Driving

Falls

Quality of Life

Participation in Rehabilitation

Social isolation

Depression

Eye Movement Disorders

Prevalence: 7 - 55%

Main disorders:

Difficulty in maintaining normal ocular position

  Difficulty with moving eyes appropriately

Eye Movement Disorders

Visual Neglect

Prevalence: 8-90 %

Definition: 'fails to report, respond, or orient to novel or meaningful stimuli presented to the side opposite a brain lesion’

Also called: spatial neglect, visuo-spatial neglect, visual inattention, hemi-inattention

Visual Neglect

Scottish Vision & Stroke Network

• formed in 2009

• arose from concerns regarding the care of those with visual problems after stroke

• is a collaboration between stroke charities, vision charities, health care professionals, researchers and people affected by stroke

Representation• British and Irish

Orthoptic Society• Chartered Society of

Physiotherapists • Chest Heart & Stroke

Scotland• College of

Occupational Therapists

• Fife Society for the Blind

• NHS Scotland

• North East Sensory Services

• NMAHP Research Unit• RNIB Scotland• Scottish Council on

Visual Impairment• Scottish Stroke AHP

Forum• Scottish Stroke

Nurses Forum• The Stroke

Association • Visibility

StructureNetwork

• open membership

Steering Group

• charity reps• eye care workers• stroke care workers• researchers• service users

AimsTo improve awareness, diagnosis and treatment of visual problems after stroke within Scotland

To support the research needed into effective assessments and treatments

1. Awareness

Visual problems after stroke have a lower profile with stroke survivors, health care

professionals and at policy and political levels.

1. Awareness

• gathering personal stories• engaging with the Scottish Parliament• developing an online information resource• provided NHSInform with accurate

information

2. Diagnosis & Treatment

Significant inequalities exist in the assessment of visual function and in the management of

visual problems across Scotland.

2. Diagnosis & Treatment

• Best Practice Statement• Inclusion in Scottish & UK strategies • Workshop to share and discuss

current projects • placements for trainee orthoptists

3. Research

There is clinical uncertainty on referral pathways and the most

effective treatments to use; research in the topic is scarce

3. Research

• Eye movement disorders workshop in September 2013

• Research findings shared with clinicians and educators

• Opportunities to collaborate and network

4. Developing SVSN

• Defining network policies and structures• Developing SVSN website

Funding• Currently funded by SCOVI

• Covers administration and key running costs

Currently

• significant areas for improvement

• increasing awareness

• the importance of collaboration

Contact email - christine.hazelton@gcu.ac.uk

THANK YOUQuestions?