to see, it announces whatever you
touch. It has many extra features,
not all I would use, but some may
be handy; voice memo recorder,
Skype and internet access, alarm
clock, note pad, camera, magnifier,
scan and read facility, torch, even a
compass and spirit level!
Of course, you don’t have to use
all these features but I find using
the phone, text, e-mail and internet
options the most useful.
I now feel ‘part of this Century’,
up-to-date and able to enjoy the
convenience of a mobile phone.
I can highly recommend this
accessibility product.
For more information on the
software or to have a demonstration,
please call our helpline: 01242 22
11 70. If you decide to purchase
one, you get an hour’s free training
session provided by us and support
if you need it going forward from all
of our Insight Offices.
Steve Martin
22
2014 · Issue 11
Insight expands it’s services in hospitals
I have recently passed a course
with the RNIB and the University of
Birmingham and am now trained as
an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO).
This has further enhanced my
knowledge of visual impairment
and the mechanics behind the
condition, and this allows me to
provide an even better service and
understanding to visually impaired
people that I meet during my time
at the hospital and at our Insight
offices around the county.
As you will be aware, losing all or
part of your eyesight can affect
you in different ways. People will
seek and need different advice
and information at different points
along their individual journeys.
ECLO’s will take the time to explain
what things mean and signpost you
to other support that may be of use
to you and your family.
In Gloucestershire the ECLO
service is funded by Insight and
currently only offered in Gloucester
Royal Hospital one day a week. We
are hoping to expand our reach
with this service in time, as we
know that the majority of people
living with a visual impairment will
access the eye clinics at some
point and it make sense to be there
for them when the they do.
The role of the ECLO is to act as
a bridge between the clinicians
within the hospital and a range
of outside organisations, such as
Social Services. We try to provide
a positive impact on the people
concerned to enable them to try
and cope better with sight loss.
Opposite is a small sample of action
that could be taken to help resolve
issues for a client. It is by no means
comprehensive and is meant to
show how we approach people
holistically, as many patients may
have complex issues which require
networking and signposting and
the assistance of other healthcare
professionals.
Some patients may just make a
request for a piece of equipment,
such as a task light, and this can
be dealt with quite quickly. Others
with wider issues will require more
involvement and follow-up.
I hope this explains a little about
the width and breadth of support
that is available through Insight
Gloucestershire ECLO service.
John Balfry
• dvise clients with choosing
A
equipment that meets their
needs.
• xplain the process of
E
registration.
• ut the client in touch with
P
social groups in their area.
• et them know about services
L
that are available to them such
as talking news, and accessible
options on software and the TV.
• ffer practical tips with
O
managing tasks in the home.
• ut the client in touch with
P
other organisations and
services incl. Gloucestershire
Deaf Association, Age UK –
Gloucestershire and Sensory
Services.
2014 · Issue 11
23