Life-changing service for patients with sight loss celebrates key anniversary

The Eye Care Liaison Officer (ECLO) service is marking two years of helping people diagnosed with sight loss come to terms with their condition and find their lives again. The service is run in partnership between NHS Dumfries and Galloway and national sight loss charity RNIB Scotland.

“We act as a ‘bridge’ between health and social care for people with reduced vision,” says Fiona Ettle, ECLO for NHS Dumfries and Galloway. “Being told you are losing your sight can be frightening and distressing, but we’re here to offer people the emotional reassurance and practical help they often need after diagnosis and beyond.”

In the first year alone, nearly 300 patients and an additional 200 family members were supported by the service. There are an estimated 4,300 blind or partially sighted people in Dumfries and Galloway.

One such patient, 90 years old, recently received this vital support. It was his relative who first spotted the information about the ECLO service when the patient was admitted to hospital for a separate health issue. As he lived a long distance away like many patients in the area, Fiona was able to offer a face-to-face appointment the same day and follow up by telephone and email.

Together they spoke about a range of support which could improve the patient’s life with sight loss. He was able to be referred to RNIB’s Talking Book service, offered a Welfare Benefits check, referrals to social support such as food services and cleaning services, as well as other practical information and emotional support.

Following up with the ECLO service, the patient reported,

“I had no idea so much help was available- I came out feeling much happier. Fiona, the ECLO, was brilliant and very much on the ball, I was absolutely astounded by how much help came our way. I am so thankful.”

The value the service has added over its two-year period in Dumfries and Galloway is undoubtable. The service relieves pressure on many other health professionals, within and outwith the Eye Clinic, so that patients can often receive same-day and ongoing specialist, one-to-one support.

ECLO Fiona says, “Patients have commented on how valuable it is to have someone to go to, to discuss their worries and to assist them when navigating the support services available to help them adjust, adapt and retain their independence. Many feel more positive and informed once they know where to access eye care support services, at the time they need them.”

Jo Birch, Service Manager at Mountainhall Treatment Centre adds,

“The ECLO service has been an incredible asset to the Hospital Eye Services in Dumfries and Galloway. Fiona has supported patients with recently diagnosed and ongoing sight loss conditions, which is invaluable to those individuals to maintain independence and quality of life.

“There has also been a strong positive impact on the overall service- the reduced clinic time contributes to the smooth flow of clinics and reduced waits within the department for appointments. There is also a noted reduction in patients contacting the service later for information. The feedback received form patients who have been supported by the service has been extremely positive.”

In addition to the two-year anniversary of the ECLO service in Dumfries and Galloway, RNIB are also marking 30 years since the very first Eye Care Liaison Officer started the role, at Rotherham General Hospital in South Yorkshire. The charity now has more than 140 ECLOs supporting patients across the UK.

Anyone living with sight loss can contact their local ECLO service via their local eye clinic or through RNIB’s Helpline on 0303 123 9999.