Health minister Lord Howe visited Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust on Wednesday 19 January to find out more about the practical and emotional support offered to people with sight loss, or their carers.
"Losing some or all of your sight can be very distressing and have a big effect on your life," explains Moorfields' new eye clinic liaison officer (ECLO) Caroline Beebee, who met the minister as part of the visit.
After hearing from Caroline about how the role is operating on the ground, the minister held a round-table discussion with senior directors from Moorfields and representatives from charities RNIB and Action for Blind People. This provided an opportunity for him to hear more about the ECLO role that already exists in some areas and how it might be extended across the country, and about the benefits such support mechanisms can provide.
Lord Howe said: "Today I have experienced first-hand the crucial difference the eye clinic liaison officers are making to the lives of patients with sight loss in helping them to live independently."