Information day on sight loss in Exeter

An information day about eye health, eye conditions and support available for people who already have sight loss, is being held for residents of Exeter at the city centre Boots Opticians store, on Friday 27 June, 10am – 4pm.

Organised by Action for Blind People (Action) and Boots Opticians, the day will raise awareness of the importance of good eye health and offer advice and support on services available for blind and partially sighted people. This includes welfare benefits, housing, assistive technology, and employment support.

Action‘s Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO), Tracy Wilson, will be attending, offering information and advice.

Tracy says: “Panic and despair are natural instincts when someone is told they’re losing their sight. But it doesn’t need to be this way. Action wants opticians and GPs to share advice and tips so that patients are better informed of the support available.

"Action for Blind People’s recent research revealed nearly 90 per cent of visually impaired people surveyed said they would have benefited from information from an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) before being fully diagnosed as losing their sight.

“No one should be left to cope alone, and part of my role as an ECLO is to give helpful tips and advice to help visually impaired people to continue to live independently. That is why Action for Blind People and Boots Opticians are working together in Exeter.”

Tracy is also opening a new Boots Opticians store at 23, Chapel Street in Exmouth, Saturday 28 at 11am with the town crier.

For more information, please contact Tracy.Wilson@actionforblindpeople.org.uk or phone 01392 406 043