Wales Council of the Blind

Glossary Browser

a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | i | j | k | l | m | n | o | p | r | s | t | u | v | w | y

Occupational Therapists adult social care

Professionals whose specialist training equips them to work with people with a physical disability, learning disability/difficulty or mental health needs. They help people learn new skills or recover lost skills, and may arrange for special equipment or adaptations to accommodation.

Ocular pemphigoid eye condition

An autoimmune condition which affects the eyes by causing inflammation of the conjunctiva which is the thin layer covering both the white part of the eye (the sclera) and the inner surface of the eyelids. The inflammation causes redness, discomfort, grittiness and dryness of the eyes.

OHMCI - Office of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector ALN

A non-ministerial government department established under the Education (Schools) Act 1992 to take responsibility for the inspection of all schools in Wales. (The English equivalent is Ofsted). Their professional arm is formed by Her Majesty's Inspectors (HMI).

Older people adult social care

Usually defined as people aged 65 and over (although definitions vary)

Optic atrophy eye condition

Damage to the optic nerve.

Optical character recognition (OCR) software technology

OCR software is used in conjunction with a PC and camera or scanner to copy printed text to the computer and hold it electronically so it can be read by a screen reader or magnified with software.

optician health

Opticians or Dispensing Opticians are regulated by the General Optical Council (GOC). A dispensing optician advises on, fits and supplies the most appropriate spectacles after taking account of each patient's visual, lifestyle and vocational needs. Dispensing opticians also play an important role in fitting contact lenses and advising and dispensing low vision aids to those who are partially sighted and in advising on and dispensing to children where appropriate.

optometrist health

Optometry is a specialized health care profession that involves examining the eyes and related structures for defects or abnormalities. Optometrists are health care professionals who typically provide comprehensive primary eye care. Since 2009, optometrists in the UK have been able to undertake additional postgraduate training and qualifications that allow them to prescribe medications to treat and manage eye conditions.

Optometry Wales health

Optometry Wales is the professional umbrella organisation for all community optometrists, opticians and dispensing opticians in Wales. It represents the profession in lobbying and negotiation with Welsh Government, responding to consultations and ensuring the profession is represented at all levels in Wales

Out of Hours Service adult social care

A specific service to operate outside regular office hours to provide either a direct service where necessary, or offer advice, guidance or re-routing to more appropriate services.

Outcomes adult social care

In social care, the term 'outcome' is often used to refer to the positive results of the social care a person has received. They represent changes or improvements that have taken place during the time someone has been receiving support.