London, UK 8 - 11 November 2011

1. World Archery Coaching Seminar London, UK 8 - 11 November 2011

2. What is a ‘Visual Impairment’? • A Visual Impairment is defined as an ‘non-correctable’ eye defect. • This differs from an eye defect that can be reduced by the use of contact lenses or spectacles.

3. Classification

4. 4 Classification • The International Blind Sports Association (I.B.S.A.) defines three degrees of visual impairment. • These are divided into two categories. ‘Field of vision’ (how wide the angle of vision) and ‘Visual Acuity’ (how clear the vision is)

5. 5 Classification • B1. • This is total lack of vision, up to light perception, and unable to recognise shapes (shape of the hand). This is the more extreme classification.

6. 6 Classification • B2. • This is a visual acuity of 2/60 or a field of vision of LESS than 5 degrees. Note: In Britain 2/60 would indicate that the eyes of the V.I. could see at 2 feet the same clarity as an ‘average’ person would see at 60 feet.

7. 7 Classification • B3. • This is a visual acuity of 6/60 or a field of vision of more than 5 but LESS than 20 degrees. Note: As a rough guide, B3 = being able to see the TOP letter of a standard eye chart up to 20 feet away (6 metres).

8. 8 Classification • B4. • Not recognised in all countries. This is a ‘low vision’ classification.

9. 9 The 6 most common eye defects.

10. Macular Degeneration • Macular degeneration is a condition that causes you gradually to lose your central vision.

11. Cataract • A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are age related thus are very common in older people.

12. Tunnel Vision • This impairment could be the result of Glaucoma (damage caused by an increased pressure of the fluid of the eye), Retinitis pigmentosa, which is a group of genetic eye conditions. Hypoxia, (lack of oxygen) or a variety of other disorders.

13. Tunnel Vision plus cataracts. • This combination of visual impairment is quite common and can be the result of Retinitus Pigmentosa with associated cataract or glaucoma with cataract.

14. Hemianopia. • This is the result of damage to the visual pathways leading to the eye from the brain. It is usually caused by injury to the brain itself, such as from a ‘stroke’ or trauma.

15. Diabetic Retinopathy. • This is a visual loss resulting from changes within the blood supply system at the retina caused by diabetis.

16. An opportunity… To try ‘simulation’ spectacles.

17. Archery Adaptations for the Visually Impaired? • Simple variations are possible to allow full integration as an athlete. • For example:

18. Archery Adaptations for the Visually Impaired? • Top: an arrow with a raised blister to indicate position of vanes. • Centre: an arrow with four vanes. • Bottom: an arrow with a notch cut into a vane.

19. Archery Adaptations for the Visually Impaired? • Sighting systems. • In Britain, if the impairment is severe, the system given preference is the foot locator and tactile sight combination. • Other systems do exist.

20. Initial Practical Differences – 1. • A ‘guide dog’ (seeing eye dog) may be used and allowances made. • Physical contact while coaching may be an important requirement for both parties. • Safety while shooting must be considered for all involved.

21. Initial Practical Differences – 2. • Communication with the V.I. may take a different form to ‘normal’. It is usual to state the archers name first before the information is given. • It is preferable to encourage the V.I. archer to provide a ‘spotter’ who can assist prior to, and during shooting (when within the shooting rules).

22. Technical Differences • We must consider 2 aiming references for a ‘tactile’ sight. ‘elevation’ and ‘direction’. • 1 - Foot locator provides direction. • 2 - Tactile ‘head’ provides elevation.

23. Thank you… Ready to answer your questions! 23