"People assume that the elderly are the only ones who are going to benefit from RNIB services but that's not true at all. It's a charity that can help anyone of any age."
Lee suffered an eye injury at work last year which caused him a lot of emotional stress - "I was involved in setting up some specialised camera equipment when it exploded, causing compressed air and glass to go into my left eye. I went blind in the first instance so I was panicking but the biggest thing for me was coming to terms with the accident itself and the psychological impact it was having on me. I'll be honest with you - I didn't know where to turn.
I felt really scared, I was on my own and I just didn't know what to do or who to turn to. I was confused at what had happened, the way it happened and why it happened and I was asking myself all these questions and found that I wasn't getting any answers.
I was going to hospital for treatment but wasn't getting the emotional and psychological help I was calling out for. Eventually I saw a doctor who put me in touch with an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer based on site. That was the first person since the accident who gave me the encouragement and support I really needed to get me back on track again."
RNIB's support
"RNIB were able to give me support in a way that nobody else really could, because they know about the sort of problems people have with their eyes from both a physical and psychological perspective. I think it affects everyone in different ways but ultimately it will affect them emotionally. RNIB were the first to give me the support I really needed.
So don't think they are only out there to provide special listening devices and walking sticks, RNIB are a lot more than that. I think they are an amazing charity."
Fortunately Lee has since regained his sight, but it's wonderful to know we offer the emotional as well as practical support people need to deal with sight loss and get back on their feet again. Without gifts in Wills we wouldn't be able to offer the support needed at the point of diagnosis to people like Lee.
Eye Clinic Liaison Officers
To learn more about our Eye Clinic Liaison Officers, telephone counseling and emotional support please call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999.