We know that people who have recently been diagnosed with a sight-threatening eye condition are often left without the emotional and practical support they require to continue living independent lives.
Our Lost and Found campaign aims to ensure that high-quality information, advice and emotional support are routinely available to individuals who are told that they are losing their sight.
Actions for GPs
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Always ask newly diagnosed patients with sight loss how they are managing as depression is common in this group, especially among older patients. (References 18.) Many patients find it difficult to share their feelings with others.
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Warning signs for depression include hibernation and denial of the condition.
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Many blind or partially sighted patients receive inadequate medical and social support to adjust to their new situation after diagnosis, and they often fall into a state of despair. (Reference 19.)
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Offer the RNIB helpline number (0303 123 9999), which will enable patients to access emotional support, information about easing day-to-day activities, welfare rights and benefits he is entitled to.
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Find out if there is an Eye Clinic Liason Officer in your area. ECLOs provide information to patients about the effects of sight loss, eye conditions, rehabilitation practice, and local and national services. They also aim to ensure that patients are given time to discuss, in depth, the concerns they have about how their condition will impact upon their lives.
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ECLOs have the potential to save the NHS and social services staff time and money and ensure that patient care continues beyond the consultation room doors.
Facts
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Significantly more visually impaired older people are depressed compared with those who had good vision (13.5% were depressed compared with 4.6%). (Reference 18.)
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48% of blind and partially sighted people feel "moderately" or "completely" cut off from people and things around them. (Reference 19.)
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In the year after registration, less than a quarter (23%) of people who lost their sight say they were offered mobility training to help them get around independently. (Reference 19.)
Find out more about what you can do... and how we can help