Your blind and partially sighted patients

Case study

Nicola, a 48-year-old partially sighted refloxologist, visits you to discuss her asthma. Over the last 6 months, her symptoms have increased and she is depending on her inhaler more frequently.

Whilst examining Nicola, you observe that she has numerous scars from minor burns on her hands and wrists. You ask her why. She explains that sometimes when making tea she misses the cup and spills hot water.

Actions for GPs

• You direct Nicola to the RNIB helpline, who can provide information about making every day tasks easier for partially sighted patients.
• You let her know that the RNIB shop provides a wide range of products, such as liquid level indicators, which prevent hot water and other liquids from overflowing, and boil alerts, which warn you when water in a saucepan starts to boil.
• If Nicola's condition is serious, you find out whether she is registered blind and, if so, direct her to Social Services.

More information

• Find out more about the products available on our online shop
• Find out more about the process of Registersing blindness with a local authority.

Find out more about what you can do... and how we can help

• Providing health information
• Newly diagnosed patients
• Stroke and sight loss