Hundreds of people across Dumfries and Galloway have benefitted from a life-changing service helping those facing sight loss.
For the past two years, eye care liaison officer (ECLO) Fiona Ettle has helped people across Dumfries and Galloway come to terms with their condition and find their lives again, with the service run in partnership between NHS Dumfries and Galloway and sight loss charity RNIB Scotland.
And in the first year alone, nearly 300 patients and 200 family members received support.
Fiona said: “We act as a ‘bridge’ between health and social care for people with reduced vision. Being told you are losing your sight can be frightening and distressing, but we’re here to offer people the emotional reassurance and practical help they often need after diagnosis and beyond.”
There are estimated to be 4,300 blind or partially sighted people in the region and the service relieves pressure on many other health professionals, within and outwith the eye clinic, so that patients can often receive same-day and ongoing specialist, one-to-one support.
Fiona added: “Patients have commented on how valuable it is to have someone to go to, to discuss their worries and to assist them when navigating the support services available to help them adjust, adapt and retain their independence. Many feel more positive and informed once they know where to access eye care support services, at the time they need them.”
Service manager at Mountainhall Treatment Centre in Dumfries, Jo Birch, added: “The ECLO service has been an incredible asset to the hospital eye services in Dumfries and Galloway. Fiona has supported patients with recently diagnosed and ongoing sight loss conditions, which is invaluable to those individuals to maintain independence and quality of life.
“There has also been a strong positive impact on the overall service – the reduced clinic time contributes to the smooth flow of clinics and reduced waits within the department for appointments. There is also a noted reduction in patients contacting the service later for information. The feedback received form patients who have been supported by the service has been extremely positive.”