About Us

The Visual Impairment Network for Children and Young People (VINCYP) was designated in April 2014. The Network aims to improve the care for children and young people with a visual impairment. VINCYP involves professionals working in health, education and social work, parents/carers of children and young people with a visual impairment and voluntary sector organisations.

We work towards implementing the VINCYP StandardsQuality Indicators and the Pathway of Care. We provide training and education opportunitiescollect data and map services provided by health, education and social work for children with visual impairments.  This will allow us to work towards tailoring and targeting interventions more effectively to benefit patients.

The Network provides and maintains a Central Referral Contact List which facilitates accurate, appropriate and timely referral to local services.

The Medical Information Documents from VIScotland on conditions including Achromatopsia, Rod-Cone Dystrophy, Hypermetropia, Optic Nerve Hypoplasia and Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) are available on our website. The documents are intended to provide information to support children and families in understanding their condition, how best to manage it and know what treatments and support may be available.

Our Aims

VINCYP sets out to achieve three key aims:

  1. Development and distribution of service standards

    Training/competency requirements, service levels and pathways. It  would encompass any existing standards from Colleges but also look at minimum standards where none exist. The main aim would be early identification with early referral to appropriate community services along with consistent and evidence-driven approach to investigation.
  2. Data Collection and Audit

    Develop a more robust minimal dataset to improve service and financial planning in addition to supporting research. This would link with existing information systems which are detailed but incomplete and also at risk.
  3. Provision of information and training

    For various professional groups to improve pathways and care, provide full and accurate assessment of children particularly those with suspected cerebral visual impairment and build confidence amongst services. Provide training and information for parents and children with visual impairment in collaboration with others.