North Middlesex Hospital Turns Vision Into Reality for Patients with Sight Loss

News - 28 August 2024

A new service at North Middlesex Hospital offers patients with visual impairments and other eye conditions support tailored to their conditions, saving them money and distress.
James Treadwell, a medium height man of approx. early 30s, with lightly tanned white skin and short hair styled in a small quiff, smiles warmly facing the camera. He is wearing smart casual outfit of an open-necked checkered shirt with v-neck jumper, both in blue, and a black casual parka. He is wearing brown framed glasses and a black lanyard carrying a brightly coloured ID badge. He is photographed against a cream background similar to a public building interior wall.

The new eye clinic liaison officer (ECLO), James Treadwell, started at North Mid in March 2024. Healthwatch Enfield, Healthwatch Haringey and the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) wrote to the hospital in November 2022 about employing an ECLO as, at the time, it was one of two hospitals in London without one. The RNIB has been running the ECLO scheme for 30 years and North Mid’s participation in this is a great victory for those without sight in the borough and surrounding areas.  

In his first 100 days of working at North Mid, James has helped a staggering 135 patients with low vision, severe sight impairment and other visual conditions. His one-to-one support has helped patients claim hundreds in the tax allowances they are eligible for and access technology that will read letters and documents to them. The service also signposts patients to local groups that offer peer-to-peer emotional support.

ECLOs really add value for patients in bringing into their care experience the expertise about financial benefits, services available from other agencies like social care and carers support, and the connections with people who have experienced what they are going through and can empathise and help them navigate the huge impact their condition can have on their life and wellbeing.

Nabil Uddin, Head of Orthoptic and Optometry Services at North Mid

What an eye clinic liaison officer (ECLO) can help with: 

 

  • Eye conditions: ECLOs can provide tailored guidance and information to people with different eye conditions, empowering them to better understand and manage their condition.
  • Welfare benefits: ECLOs can help patients through the process to ensure they access the financial support they are eligible for due to their vision impairment.
  • Employment and training: ECLOs assist patients in exploring options for remaining employed or pursuing re-training.
  • Mental health and emotional well-being: ECLOs provide a supportive ear and can signpost patients to appropriate mental health services and support groups. 
  • Children’s services and education: ECLOs provide important information about children's services, education support, and resources available to support the holistic development of visually impaired children. 

  • Voluntary organisations and support groups: ECLOs build connections with voluntary organisations and support groups, creating peer support networks and a sense of community.

     

You can contact North Mid’s Eye Clinic Liaison Officer, James Treadwell, by emailing: northmid.eclo@nhs.net 

 

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