Being a disabled nurse. I think I’m going to fail the HEOPS vision test

sairah

I have a visual impairment and think I’m going to fail the HEOPS vision test that Occ health do ahead of issuing a place on the nursing degree course. Would I be covered by the Equality act and aides/reasonable adjustments/support worker be available to me to study/get a job in the NHS, or can I not enter this profession if I fail the Occ heath for health and fitness standards for Nurses??

chiarieds

Hi @sairah - & welcome to the community. I wish I knew the answer, but have tried to look into this. Have you seen this guidance? https://heops.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/bsk-pdf-manager/2019/09/1521730818HEOPS_Nursing_Student_fitness_standards_2015_v9.pdf   you can see the vision component under 2c. Have you seen an optician/optometrist to work out whether you might pass this test with your visual impairment? Can you get further info to see if you would qualify for help if able to start a nursing degree?

From the link above it does say, 'There is an obligation (on the approved educational institution (AEI)) to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities where the adjustment enables the student nurse or midwife to achieve safe and effective practice without supervision by the end of the program.'

It would be such a shame if you couldn't embark on this course. I'm a long-retired physio, & remember 2 of our teachers had severe visual problems; they were both good, but one in particular was really good & helped me so much.

I hope you can get some answers beforehand, & it would be good to see how you get on. Everything crossed for you!

Albus_Scope

Hey there @sairah and welcome to the community! 

I'm afraid I'm also stumped with an answer, but I'm going to move your post to a different category, so more people in the know will see and hopefully offer you some top advice. I hope that's ok? 

I really hope you get to go on your degree! 

gemma443

@sairah I’ve come across your post whilst trying to research the same thing for my daughter and I’m wondering how you got on? Thanks

Albus_Scope

Heya @gemma443 and welcome to the community. 😁

Unfortunately this discussion is well over a year old and the original poster hasn't logged in since writing it, so I'm unsure if you'll get a reply from them, sorry!

gemma443

no problem, was worth a try 😊

Albus_Scope

It's always worth a go @gemma443! I'm hoping by commenting, this discussion will get pushed to the top of the page and someone in the know will see it and be able to offer you some top advice. 😊

Storm25

I don't know the answer, but it might be worth exploring some of the allied health professions, e.g. Occupational Therapy, as an alternative, in case.