Sight loss service marking a decade of helping patients

The Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) service has marked 10 years of helping people diagnosed with sight loss come to terms with their condition and find their lives again.

The service works with clinicians and nurses in Ninewells and Perth Royal Infirmary and supports clients throughout the NHS Tayside region.

Nina McIntosh, an ECLO with RNIB Scotland based in Ninewells Hospital, said: "We offer people the emotional reassurance and practical help they often need after diagnosis.

"People can experience a whole range of emotions – shock, denial, anger, fear and grief. Having someone to talk to, and to be confident that things will be all right, is a big thing.”

Ophthalmologists with NHS Tayside have also praised the work of the service.

Dr Paul Johnstone, consultant ophthalmologist and clinical lead for ophthalmology, said: "Medical treatment has its place but everyone’s goal is to support people with visual loss to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

"We are extremely lucky to have a visual support service within the eye clinic providing immediate help, reassurance and quality support information.

"Local community support services are continually evolving and our ECLO is perfectly placed to signpost patients to these invaluable resources, so patients feel well supported in their daily lives when it really matters – not just when coming to hospital.”

To contact the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer service in Tayside, telephone Nina McIntosh on 07468 710900 or Nicola Grimason on 07802 865585.