Birmingham charity helps train future optometrists as sight loss rises

A partnership between disability and sight loss charity Focus Birmingham and Aston University is helping prepare the next generation of optometrists in a real low vision setting. 

The initiative is also expanding access to specialist support for people living with visual impairments across Birmingham.

The weekly clinics, delivered through Focus Birmingham’s Sight Loss Support Service in Harborne, give Aston University optometry students supervised experience with people who have complex visual needs, gaining insight into how sight loss affects independence, wellbeing and everyday life.

To date, the collaboration between Focus Birmingham and Aston University has delivered 40 training sessions and 525 hours of on-site learning, as part of students’ professional development.

The clinics are led by Dr Andrew Miller, optometry lecturer at Aston University. Students take part in real appointments, speak with patients and explore tools and techniques used to support quality of life.

He said: “Partnerships like this give students a deeper understanding of the real-world challenges people with visual impairment face. It helps develop not only clinical expertise but empathy, communication skills and a much broader view of patient care.”

Alongside training, the clinics have also created additional specialist appointments for more than 150 patients across the city, increasing access to low vision support for those who might otherwise face long waits.

For the students who have attended, it is often their first opportunity to see how sight loss impacts everyday life and beyond what can be taught in a lecture theatre.

Zara Ahmed, a Masters Optometry student at Aston University, said:

“Focus Birmingham enabled me to gain valuable insight into a specialised area of optometry. It has enhanced my understanding of the clinical assessments and equipment used to support patients with complex visual needs, helping to maximise their vision and improve quality of life. This experience will be invaluable in shaping my perspective on the profession and exploring potential career pathways following graduation.”

Cate Burke, CEO of Focus Birmingham, said the partnership reflects the kind of collaboration needed to meet the rising demand for support: “We’re not only preparing the next generation of optometrists, but we’re also helping shape a more connected model of care for people living with sight loss. By working together across education, healthcare and the voluntary sector, we can ensure patients receive the support they need earlier and more effectively.

“One of the long-term benefits is that these students will go on to practise across the region. They’ll understand what we do, and when someone needs extra support, they’ll know exactly where to refer them.”

An estimated 28,000 people in Birmingham are living with some form of visual impairment. Nationally, the number of people living with sight loss is projected to rise by 17 percent by 2030, increasing pressure on services and highlighting the need for well-prepared professionals.