Improving services for people with low vision: An evaluation of the work of the low vision service committees

The aim of this research has been to evaluate the work of the English Low Vision Service Committees (LVSCs). The evaluation involved the use of multi-methods to access a variety of sources of information. There is evidence that some of the LVSCs have been successful in improving services and increasing service user involvement. However, the evaluation has also highlighted a lack of consistency in the activities carried out by different LVSCs and the difficulties they have faced in engaging with key stakeholders. Despite this the LVSCs have shown the potential to become an important vehicle for the sharing of information and the expression of service users' views. However a significant commitment from local and national statutory services is needed if this progress is to be continued.