Paul Jackson, Group Chief Executive and John Greenwood, Chair, The Hospital Saturday Fund, presenting a grant of £5,000 to Justine Jasper, Head of Charity Services and Clare Burgess, CEO of Sight for Surrey to support its Eye Clinic Liaison Service.
About Sight for Surrey
Sight for Surrey is a charity supporting people in Surrey with visual impairments, deafness, hearing loss, and combined sight and hearing impairments. For nearly a century, Sight for Surrey has been dedicated to enhancing independence, communication, and well-being by offering personalised services like visual aids, mobility training, and technology support, as well as emotional and social resources to reduce isolation. Sight for Surrey also advocates for the rights and inclusion of sensory-impaired individuals, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to live fully and confidently within their communities.
Eye Clinic Liaison Service
The Eye Clinic Liaison Service (ECLS) is a project dedicated to supporting individuals recently diagnosed with visual impairments. This service connects people to essential resources, including social care support, and assists directly within their homes. With a team of three skilled Eye Clinic Liaison Officers, the ECLS offers guidance and information to individuals facing sight and/or hearing challenges, coordinating closely with medical professionals across Surrey. Collaborating with the five primary hospital trusts in the region, the ECLS team supports approximately 1,500 individuals each year, ensuring they receive the necessary help to navigate their diagnosis and access supportive care.
Eye Health in the UK
In the UK, it’s estimated that over 2 million people are living with sight loss significant enough to impact their daily lives, and this number is projected to increase as the population ages. Each day, approximately 250 people in the UK begin to lose their sight, facing new challenges that can affect their independence, emotional well-being, and access to essential services. For many, early support and guidance are crucial, underscoring the importance of services like the Eye Clinic Liaison Service to help individuals adapt and find the resources they need.
The Grant
The Hospital Saturday Fund awarded a £5,000 grant to Sight for Surrey to support its Eye Clinic Liaison Service, an integral part of the Eye Clinic Pathway developed by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. This service plays a crucial role in bridging Health Service diagnoses and treatments with social care and community support, ensuring individuals receive comprehensive assistance both at home and within their communities.
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