In December 2009 over 40 MPs and Peers attended a Parliamentary reception to learn about the support available to people losing their sight. MPs were asked to consider the support they would need in the event they lost their own sight. They were invited to undertake a number of practical everyday activities with a blindfold.
The reception also highlighted current gaps in the care and support on offer to eye clinic patients, and the impact this has on individuals' ability to adjust to sight loss.
Our message to MPs
RNIB is campaigning for 130 Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) to provide one-to-one professional support within the next five years. An ECLO connects patients with the practical and emotional support they need to understand their diagnosis, to absorb the news that they have lost their sight and to maintain their independence.
With fewer than 50 UK primary care organisations currently providing such a service, we encouraged MPs to get in touch with Directors at their health trusts to press the case for new ECLOs. The majority of ECLOs are currently funded from voluntary income, but RNIB is arguing that these services should be provided by the NHS and local government.
We recognise health services face challenging times, with Primary Care Trusts expected to identify substantial savings. However, we believe eye clinic liaison officers could actually help NHS organisations achieve improved productivity. Research expected later in 2010 will provide evidence on the impact of these services, for example on patient well-being and long-term adjustment to sight loss
MPs heard from Heather Giles from London. Heather shared her personal experience, explaining that the health and social care system failed her at her greatest time of need, when she was first told that she was losing her sight. She passionately argued the case for improvements in patient support and eye clinic services.
MPs also took away the message that services need to be more timely, so people aren't "lost" to the health system when all they want is practical information and emotional support.
Throughout 2010 local campaigners in England will be calling for ECLOs in areas we have identified as the greatest priorities for improvements in patient support. RNIB is also encouraging people to find out what plans their local NHS have to prioritise people with sight loss.
Further information
To find out more about how you can get involved in our campaign so not one patient is left on their own please contact the Campaigns team on 020 7391 2123 or campaigns@rnib.org.uk.