The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is offering support to people affected by sight loss in Dorset as coronavirus disrupts everyday life.
There are 2610 blind and partially sighted people living in Dorset and the current social distancing and self-isolation measures can be particularly difficult for them, as many rely on guides and public transport to live independently.
In response to the disruption, 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 the 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 Dorset 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, and advice on eye health at a time where non-urgent appointments have been cancelled.
It will also provide information about benefits and financial support provided by the Government and it will offer support to reduce loneliness during self-isolation.
Eye Health Liaison Officer (ECLOs), which are normally clinic-based in hospitals, will also be available over the phone to offer practical advice on living with sight loss and emotional support.
The RNIB offers support and advice to almost 2 million people living in the UK with sight loss.
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