A free telephone helpline for people with sight loss in West Lothian has been launched by the Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland.
The charity is joining forces with NHS Lothian and West Lothian Council to help reduce the loneliness and isolation experienced by hundreds of local people who are blind or partially sighted.
The dedicated freephone support helpline is situated within the reception area of Out-patient Department 1 at St John's Hospital in Livingston.
The freephone will put callers straight through to RNIB for support and advice which will include: a friendly voice and listening ear; information about eye-conditions and possible treatments; help in understanding financial benefits and your rights; details on where to find support services and practical products, and advice about working and learning with sight loss.
By offering practical and emotional support at the point of diagnosis, the new helpline will be able to quickly draw on other local and national services, and also refer onwards to local statutory and voluntary providers where appropriate.
John Legg from RNIB Scotland said: "This is a great opportunity to extend our services at grassroots level across West Lothian. We will also support those with learning disabilities and other complex needs whose sight loss might have gone undiagnosed. Our specialist team can offer practical advice and help."