Boost for Aberdeenshire Sight Loss Services
People in Aberdeenshire facing sight loss will continue to benefit from dedicated, one-to-one support as a new Eye Care Liaison Officer (ECLO) joins the local service.
The ECLO service, delivered locally by RNIB in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, provides vital emotional and practical support to individuals throughout their sight loss journey. Continuing the vital support already provided in Aberdeenshire, the appointment of a new ECLO highlights a renewed commitment to ensuring that no one faces sight loss alone.
“Sight loss can be overwhelming, and people often leave clinic unsure of what comes next,” said James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland. “The ECLO service ensures that individuals across Aberdeenshire have compassionate support to help them understand their options and feel less alone.”
ECLOs help guide people through their journey by offering reassurance, tailored advice, and information about services that maintain independence. This includes support with understanding clinical information, navigating benefits, accessing specialist equipment, and connecting with community groups and rehabilitation teams.
“Many people aren’t aware of just how much support is available after a sight loss diagnosis,” said Dawn Carnegie, the newly appointed ECLO for Aberdeenshire. “Aberdeenshire covers a wide area, and my local knowledge helps me signpost people to the right organisations and support close to where they live.
“Recently, I spoke with an 87-year-old woman living with age-related macular degeneration who told me she felt ashamed and ‘different’ because of her sight loss. She hadn’t realised there was a local support group meeting every month in her own town. After I shared information about the group, and with her daughter able to accompany her, she felt reassured knowing she wasn’t alone and that others were living with the same condition. Moments like this show how personalised support can help people feel more confident taking their next steps. The support is very much tailored to the individual.”
Local residents can access the ECLO service over the phone, by contacting RNIB. The service is free, confidential, and available to anyone with concerns about their vision, whether newly diagnosed or living with an existing eye condition.
Eye clinics are among the busiest out-patient departments in hospitals, and hard-pressed health professionals often simply don't have the resources to offer this often-intensive one-to-one support.
James Adams added: “ECLOs make a real difference to people’s lives at one of their most vulnerable moments, by providing personal one-to-one support. Working in a joined-up way with the Visual Impairment team, the ECLO ensures patients receive consistent follow-up support while freeing clinicians to focus on delivering care to all patients. We’re delighted to strengthen the service in Aberdeenshire and ensure people get the support they deserve.”
