Campaigners in Lancashire have been working hard to influence the provision and planning of eye health and sight loss prevention services.
Volunteer campaigner and Eye Health Ambassador, Marie Nicklin has been voted onto the Board of her Local Involvement Network (LINk). The LINk is an influential body, which exists to give residents a say in how their health and social care services are planned and provided.
Michael Tupper, also an RNIB volunteer campaigner and Eye Health Ambassador, met recently with Phil Jones of Lancashire County Council's JSNA team to talk about the importance of eye health and sight loss prevention. JSNA stands for "Joint Strategic Needs Assessment" and the JSNA team are an important route for influencing service provision in Lancashire as they are responsible for gathering intelligence to inform priority setting and commissioning for health and wellbeing.
The team were receptive to the messages Michael delivered around smoking and sight loss. A draft JSNA report is due by Christmas and we will know early next year what information has been included on eye health and sight loss prevention.