Successful partnerships between NCBI and Dublin Hospitals eye clinics meeting patients’ needs
Tuesday July 23rd 2019, The National Council for the Blind (NCBI) continues to celebrate the success of its Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) service by recently celebrating the 100th patient referral to the service in a matter of weeks.
The Acute Hospitals backed initiative operates in partnership with the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, CHI (Children’s Health Ireland) at Temple Street and the Mater Hospital.
Aaron Mullaniff, Head of National Services with NCBI said “NCBI is delighted the ECLO service has become so integrated in such a short period of time. I believe this is reflective of the needs of patients and their requirement for timely practical advice and emotional support to help understand their diagnosis, discuss next steps and above all maintain their independence and quality of life. Most importantly, the ECLOs have the time to dedicate to patients and family members following consultation allowing clinicians time to focus on treatment and care”.
Dr Stephen Farrell, Consultant Ophthalmologist, CHI at Temple Street said “the ECLO service is a fantastic addition to our Ophthalmology Unit, it is a much needed resource to the children and their parents attending our service. For hospital staff being able to refer to the ECLO has been really reassuring”.
NCBI’s ECLOs act as key point of contact, working closely with medical and nursing staff across Dublin eye clinics. ECLOs aim to bridge the gap between hospital and community based services and education providers like ChildVision.
In the UK, ECLO are endorsed by the UK Ophthalmology Alliance (UKOA), the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth), and the National Institute of Healthcare Excellence (NICE). The ECLO service across all three Dublin hospital are staffed by two qualified NCBI personnel who have extensive knowledge in meeting and responding to the changing needs of ophthalmic patients.
NCBI hopes to extend the success of the ECLO service to all major eye clinics across the country over the next 24 months.
ENDS
For further information, please contact June Tinsley, Head of Communications on 01 8821917 or 087 9955076
Notes to Editor
NCBI is the national sight loss organisation, working for people with sight loss.
We provide practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services and other training designed to help people with sight loss to live independently and confidently.
Services Offered:
- Emotional support and counselling for people struggling to come to terms with sight loss.
- Rehabilitation training, including independent living skills and mobility training, which may include using a long cane. Loss of independence is the biggest issue facing people – NCBI gives back independence and builds confidence.
- Advice and information.
- Low vision solutions, such as magnifiers and other aids, to help people to read standard print.
- Assistive technology advice and training to either magnify or read aloud what is on screen.
- Library – large-print and audio books – giving back the joy of reading.
- Employment advice.
As a charity NCBI must raise €3 million annually just to keep operating at current levels that equates to €4 out of every €10 we spend on vital services.
