Supporting Low Vision Day at St Thomas’ Hospital

With the exception of the pandemic years, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust has run its annual Low Vision Day every year for the last 16 years. Its aim is to raise awareness of visual impairment in the community and highlight the availability and utility of the latest aids, technology and support groups for the visually impaired.

Optometry students from City, University of London have been supporting the clinic for many years, with 15 of our second year students volunteering their time at this year’s event held on 18th October 202Two City Optometry students wearing yellow t-shirts with 'LOW VISION HELPER' written on the backs, talking to a visitor to the 'MetroBlindSport' banner and stand, with an assortment of flyers on the stand/desk.

Our students performed a range of duties at the stalls, including demonstrations of the aids and technology and showing vision impaired people around them. The students are able to use the experience they gained toward the personal development plan module of their course; a non compulsory module aimed at supporting future employment.

Dr Ahalya Subramanian, Associate Professor, Visual impairment academic and clinic lead, City, University of London said:

City, University of London optometry students have been helping at the St Thomas’ hospital low vision day for well over a decade. This year I had an unprecedented response from the students with over 50 volunteering to help. The students did a great job on the day helping out with several activities including helping  on stalls and guiding visually  impaired people around the event. A big thank you to all the students who have given up their Saturday to help.

Two City Optometry students wearing yellow t-shirts, smiling and looking after the RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind) stand with a branded banner behind them, and a variety of RNIB pamphlets on the desk in front of them.


Liz Tomlin, Head Orthoptist and Eye Team Lead at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We were delighted to see second year optometry students from City University of London volunteering at the 2022 Low Vision Day at St Thomas’ Hospital. There were exhibitions of low vision aids, magnifiers and lights demonstrated by the students, who also acted as guides for the visually impaired visitors to and from the venue. The day showcased cultural activities, aids and tech, and help groups for all visually impaired people. We are delighted to have City, University of London as one of our community partners for this event. I hope this relationship will continue into the future. “

Two City Optometry students wearing yellow t-shirts, smiling and looking after a stand with books and other items such as a game of Connect 4 on it.


Helen Perkins, Clerk of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers said:

“Second year students [from City, University of London] were right at the centre of the Low Vision event. They were great guides, they demonstrated equipment which can really make a difference and I’m sure they learned a lot in the process. The Spectacle Makers’ Charity has awarded bursaries to several City students in the past and it’s great to see them putting their knowledge into practice.”

Dr Ahalya Subramanian (left) visiting a stand showcasing different magnifying and lighting devices and their effects on reading black text on a white background.

Find out more

Visit the Department of Optometry at City, University of London

Visit the Worshipful Company of Spectaclemakers website.