Support after sight loss
David* is 49 and lives on one of Scotland's remote islands. When his ophthalmologist referred him to an RNIB Eye Care Liaison Officer (ECLO), he didn’t want to have urgent surgery that he needed to save his remaining sight.
Our ECLO gave David a call. He was anxious, but she took the time to listen. Eventually, David opened up about why he didn’t want to go. The surgery was on the mainland, at a hospital he had difficult personal memories with, and he couldn't face going back.
She explained that eye surgery is no longer at the hospital but at a specialist treatment centre. She also suggested counselling, to help him with what he was going through.
Funding was arranged for someone to travel with David from the island. The onsite ECLO at the treatment centre was briefed and ready to meet him and David’s medical team were kept informed, so they were ready for his stay.
David went ahead with his surgery and stayed on the ward for a week for further treatment, with face-to-face support from the onsite ECLO throughout.
During his stay, David mentioned he often spilled his tea. The ECLO told him about a liquid level indicator, a simple device that makes hot drinks safer to prepare.
When David got home, he told us: "The only people I trust are the two ECLOs. Without their support I would not have had my surgery."
Good support after sight loss means having someone who understands your practical and emotional needs and is there for you when it matters most. If you or someone you know is affected by sight loss, we’re here to help.
RNIB Scotland is backing the Support After Sight Loss Campaign as part of Vision Collaborative Scotland. Our Looking for A Better Scotland manifesto calls on the Scottish Government to improve support after sight loss so that everyone in Scotland, wherever they live, gets the support they need.
*Name has been changed to protect anonymity.