Coronavirus: RNIB's support for Oldhamers affected by sight loss

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is offering support to people affected by sight loss in Oldham after unprecedented changes to everyday life.

The current social distancing and self-isolation measures can be particularly difficult for the 1,335 blind and partially sighted people who live in Oldham, as many rely on guides and public transport to live independently.

In response, RNIB has improved telephone and online access to its Sight Loss Advice Service – which offers emotional support and practical advice to blind and partially sighted people and their families.

Jamie Dormandy, Head of Customer Service and Advice at RNIB, said: “The measures to stop to spread of Coronavirus are having an unprecedented impact on the way that people with sight loss go about their day-to-day lives.

"Social distancing and self-isolation are presenting new challenges – with a lot of blind and partially sighted people worried about how they can continue to travel to the shop for essential supplies or find the items they need without the support of a guide.   

“We have scaled up our telephone and online advice service to answer the questions that blind and partially sighted people have right now and are connecting people with local support.

"It’s very important that anyone affected by sight loss in Oldham knows they are not alone, and we are here to support them.”

The service is providing information on a range of issues affecting people with sight loss during this national health crisis, including:

How to access essential items, such as food and medicine

Navigating safely while adhering to social distancing advice

Advice on eye health at a time when non-urgent appointments have been cancelled

Support to reduce loneliness during self-isolation

Information about benefits and financial support provided by the Government

RNIB Eye Health Liaison Officer (ECLOs), which are normally clinic-based in hospitals, are also on hand over the phone to offer practical advice on living with sight loss and emotional support.

RNIB’s Sight Loss Advice Service is available to anyone concerned on 0303 123 9999 between 8am and 8pm on weekdays, and between 9am and 1pm on Saturdays.

Advice is also being updated online here

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.