Reflections on the effects of group work with older people with impaired vision

This paper is based on participant consultation and feedback from seven groups of people over the age of 65 with varying degrees of vision impairment. Areas of interest that were focused on were how the group impacted on group members sense of identity in terms of: Confidence, Inclusion, Experience of “difference”, Personal agency and empowerment, Independence, Ability to sustain new contacts/friendships in the future. An overall majority of group members reported significant change in self-perception in the areas of “inclusion” and “confidence”. Results would suggest that groups with older more isolated people with impaired vision have a significant effect on member's sense of identity, in terms of inclusion and of feeling supported. Longer-term groups may be more effective in developing member's sense of personal agency and independence.