11.09.12
New support for the blind and partially sighted
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Scotland has established The Vision Support Service in partnership with NHS Tayside, assisted by Government funding.
The facility at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, offers information and advice to blind and partially-sighted people in the Tayside area. The centre also provides emotional support to those who are dealing with loss of vision, and aims to help patients maintain an independent life.
According to RNIB almost 18,000 people in Scotland currently live with sight loss, which seriously affects them on a daily basis. The figure is projected to double by 2031.
The Vision Support Service has been provided with a newly refurbished space within Ninewells Hospital’s ophthalmology department. The director of RNIB Scotland, John Legg, hopes to establish a network of centres across Scotland.
He said: “Every day in Scotland, ten people begin to lose their sight. But only a tiny percentage are offered support and counselling, despite the devastating impact sight loss can have on people’s lives.
“That’s why RNIB Scotland is working to establish a network of Vision Support Services in each health board area where none exist at present. These will offer newly-diagnosed people the support they need to coming to terms with sight loss and can also refer them on to other services available to them.”
Professor Carrie MacEwen, consultant ophthalmologist, stated: “While the vast majority of people attending Ninewells hospital’s eye department successfully have their vision preserved or restored, there remains some who have untreatable conditions who require support and advice because of vision loss.
“We warmly welcome this joint initiative which will assist patients with impending or newly-diagnosed sight loss come to terms with their condition with no delay, as the service is sited within our department.”
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