Highland ECLO helps more than one thousand patients

Roslyn Munro, who is based in Inverness, has supported more than 1,000 patients since starting in the role five years ago, contributing to a service that has been running locally for a decade.

ECLOs act as a vital bridge between hospital eye clinics and wider support services, offering patients a safe space to talk about the emotional impact of sight loss while also helping them access practical support to maintain their independence. The service is run in partnership between RNIB and NHS Highland.

'For me, being a clinic-based ECLO, means I am in the heart of patient care,' says Roslyn. 'I’m ready to provide emotional and practical support to anyone affected by sight loss.'

When Roslyn first began working as an ECLO five years ago, she was based in the Ophthalmology Outpatients Department at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness. This was during the period when COVID-19 restrictions were still in place, with social distancing measures, masks and limits on carers accompanying patients to appointments.

'It was a challenging time for everyone,' Roslyn says. 'Many people with visual impairment were already feeling isolated, and the restrictions made things even harder. Being able to offer support and reassurance during that time was incredibly important.'

Now based at the National Treatment Centre – Highland, Roslyn continues to support patients at all stages of their eye health journey. In one case, a patient who experienced sudden sight loss following a medical emergency was initially being considered for permanent care due to the level of support they were expected to need. After speaking with the ECLO service, practical arrangements were put in place to help them return home safely.

Working alongside family members and support services, Roslyn helped arrange practical measures at home as well as advice on benefits and links to social and leisure activities. The patient has since been registered as severely sight impaired and has returned to many of the activities they enjoy.

'Finally! Someone gets it and gets me,' the patient said. 'Everyone was so negative telling me what I couldn’t do, but you told me that I could do it all!'

Roslyn says supporting people through difficult moments is a key part of the role.

'I love my role as an ECLO and find it incredibly rewarding when you see that glimmer of hope and confidence return, however small.'

Anyone living with sight loss or concerned about their vision can contact RNIB’s Helpline on 0303 123 9999 to find out more about support available in their area.