If you or someone you are close to has recently been diagnosed with a visual impairment or you think you may be in the near future, it can be a shock and a frightening time. Contact Berkshire Vision and we can help.
We work closely with the local hospitals; The Royal Berkshire Hospital Reading, King Edward VII Hospital Windsor and West Berks Community Hospital and their consultants and also with health and social care professionals.
When newly diagnosed you will get support from your Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) and volunteers at the hospital who will help with necessary paperwork and provide information on services available and the way which the system works.
Most importantly, they will sit and listen to you and your family. It is usual to have fears and anxieties and they will help to reassure you and make sure you are well informed and know about all the help available, so you can live as independently and safely as possible.
If you receive a diagnosis that you are at risk of losing your sight or visually impaired your Consultant will let you know if you should be registered for sight impairment and a CVI form will be completed with you. It is then sent to the Sensory Needs Team which forms part of your local authority.
At any point you can ask to see your Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) Sarah or Sonia who can discuss all of the support available. They spend time each week at all three hospitals. They can be contacted directly on 07771 624195. You may also receive a visit from the Sensory Needs Team following your hospital visit or diagnosis.
You can contact us at Berkshire Vision directly or the Sensory Needs Team or ECLO will tell you about our service and recommend you contact us.
We would really encourage you to get in touch and we can let you know how we can support you with: home visits, social clubs, resources, sport and activities.
We are here to help, we have direct experience of visual impairment both personally and caring and supporting family members who were born blind or partially sighted or experienced sight loss later in life.
