The Sight Loss Nurse Advisor project is a partnership between Southampton University Hospital Ophthalmology Unit, local charities (Southampton Sight and Open Sight) and Southampton and Hampshire local authority social services providing a comprehensive sight loss support service in Southampton eye clinic.
Over 300 adult patients a year are registered as either sight impaired (SI) or severely sight impaired (SSI) at this busy eye unit. Following loss of dedicated support for these patients in 2019 a joint initiative between the NHS, local sight loss charities and local authority social services, has re-imagined the support, rehabilitation and empowerment of patients living with visual impairments. An initial study of patients and staff to understand barriers to supporting patients led to the design of a sight loss nurse advisor (SLNA) course and slight loss awareness training for all staff. There are now over 5 embedded sight loss advisors, including within paediatric ophthalmology and neurology in the Ophthalmology Unit. Ongoing oversight is provided by a stakeholder group from all involved parties. The SLNA’s provide an invaluable resource for staff and patients, empowering patient to have independent choice and control, moving away from the traditional medical model focused on the disease. The SLA program mirrors the core move towards shared decision making, not only listening to the patient but understanding their needs and signposting where appropriate.
So when they needed a desk for the office Southampton Sight was only too happy to provide one because we all need the right tools to do a job!
