Virtual Reality Visual Impairment Experience delivered by an Eye Clinician

See through the eyes of your child

Angel Eyes NI has developed a Virtual Reality Sight Loss Simulator to increase understanding of vision impairment for parents and professionals.  We offer bespoke training sessions to parents, education and health professionals supporting a child with a visual impairment in Northern Ireland that is delivered by an Eye Clinician specialising in Paediatric eye conditions.

The aim of the VR Experience is to:

  • empower parents, families and professionals with greater knowledge of vision impairment

  • increase understanding of children’s eye conditions

  • increase understanding of how impairment of visual functions can impact the daily life and experience of children.

Vision impairment has an affect on the bonding process, communication, access to books and toys and many other childhood experiences.  It also presents parents with the dilemma of what is responsible parenting versus promoting independence and can in the most part be a hidden disability.  Those unaffected find it difficult to understand and empathise with, including the very professionals whose work it is to support children with a visual impairment.

By demonstrating the eye condition of each individual child, via the headset, both the family and the professionals supporting the child have the means and understanding to improve their lives; meeting their individual needs.  This, in turn will beneficially impact the communities the children live in, which will also assist them in accessing the world independently and confidently.

When asked “How will this change how you support your child in everyday activities, they have replied?

“A wonderful insight on how to prepare things to help with daily routine”

“Safety when out and about especially what he can see at foot level, side of chairs etc”

“Understanding how it impacts will help me accommodate difficulties and think I have more awareness of difficulties/ risks they may encounter”

 The VR experience can benefit:

•        Parents and families of vision impaired children

•        Schools, teachers and classroom assistants supporting a child/young person with a visual impairment

•        Health Professionals working, or merely coming into contact, with visually impaired children/young people

•        Other Statutory and Voluntary Organisations supporting children with other disabilities including sight loss. 

•        Other organisations that support a child with a visual impairment e.g. Sports clubs, Brownies, Sunday School etc.