NB launched a competition to recognise great work by professionals in the eye health and sight loss sectors. We unveil the winners.
In January, we asked our readers to nominate colleagues who provide an outstanding service for blind and partially sighted people and you did not disappoint! The very first nomination hit our inbox within an hour of the contest going live, one person received multiple nominations and another entry came from overseas.
Judging the nominations was by no mean easy, but it confirms what we already knew, that the people who work in this sector are truly selfless, dedicated and deserving of a lot of praise. In the end, two people scooped the top prize and will receive M&S vouchers and a certificate. So, who are they?
Winner: Alyson Bunn
Alyson was nominated by Ann Stribblehill, a Sister at the eye clinic in East Surrey Hospital. She outlines the reasons for her nomination.
"I would like to nominate Alyson Bunn, an eye clinic liaison officer (ECLO) who works for Surrey Association for the Visually Impaired.
Alyson is the first ECLO in East Surrey whose remit was to see and or help about 200 patients a year. To the role she brought together collaboration with all the services in the community and neighbouring districts to support the visually impaired patients referred to her.
She will always find a way to support a person, she is resourceful innovative, but always compassionate. She identified the need to help patients understand age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and is working with the AMD society to train volunteers to teach patients eccentric reading.
Alyson is very popular with the patients, as there has not been a problem presented to her that she has been unable to deal with. All patients new receive an information pack on their condition and services available. They are contacted within two weeks of referral, and hopefully reassured, that they are not alone with their eye condition. She saw/helped 200 patients in two months often working beyond expectations."
Winner: Susan Caskey
Susan was nominated by Karen McCutcheon, a Teaching Fellow at Queen's University Belfast. Karen tells us why she nominated Susan.
"I have had the privilege of knowing Susan for approximately 20 years - he first 10 years as a neighbour. I watched as she fought through major illnesses and life challenges.
After successfully beating all those challenges, Susan was dealt another devastating blow and was diagnosed with inoperable diabetic retinopathy. Coming to terms with this loss of sight and blind registration was very difficult for her to accept but it was from her experience that the Northern Ireland ECLO service and concept became a reality.
The last 10 years I have come to know Susan on a professional level. As a senior nurse in ophthalmology, I have observed Susan work to give the very best support to ophthalmic patients. Most recently she has supported me in my endeavours to introduce visual awareness training into the undergraduate nursing programme at Queen's University Belfast, which will run for the first time this year."
We need a hero
Do you know someone who goes beyond the call of duty every day? Is there someone who inspired you in your work who you would like to thank?
NB wants to know who is excelling in their area of expertise, whether they are a rehablitation worker, opthalmic nurse, eye clinic liaison officer or a local charity worker.
Tell us in no more than 150 words why your nominated person should be NB's unsung hero. The winner will receive a prize and will be featured in the magazine. The closing date for entries is 21 March 2013.
Please email nbmagazine@rnib.org.uk or write to us at NB Magazine, RNIB, 105 Judd Street, London, WC1H 9NE and put unsung hero in the subject title. Please include your contact details.
Article published in NB magazine March 2013.