If you’re struggling with sight loss issues, a new programme could help

Sight loss is an illness or injury which can rob someone of their confidence and independence to engage with theor own community and can make some a prisoner in their own home.
A new programme is designed to help those struggling with sight loss.A new programme is designed to help those struggling with sight loss.
A new programme is designed to help those struggling with sight loss.

Living with Sight Loss’ is a programme being run by the charity RNIB Scotland over four Thursdays starting on November 26 until December 17. All sessions will take place from 10.30-11.30am.

“If you’re living with sight loss in the Western Isles, this course can help provide the practical and emotional support you need to face the future with confidence,” says Richard Craig, RNIB confidence building co-ordinator.

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‘Living with Sight Loss’ offers a combination of facilitated online sessions and talks about what help and support is available and how it can be accessed.

A range of different themes will be covered, including mobility and daily living, emotional support and wellbeing, assistive technology, eye health, peer support and leisure time.

“As well as an opportunity for people with sight loss to connect with each other, family and friends are also invited to join and participate,” adds Richard.

The course is part of RNIB Scotland’s Need to Talk initiative, funded by the European Union’s Interreg programme to support people in peripheral communities.

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As well as the Western Isles, the course is available to people in Argyllshire, Arran, Ayrshire, Cumbrae, Dumfries & Galloway, Lochaber and Skye & Lochalsh in an attempt to reach out to as many people as possible who might benefit from such a forward-thinking project.

If you would like to refer someone, or find out more information about the ‘Living with Sight Loss’ course, please contact Richard on telephone (028) 9033 4144 or email: [email protected].

The number of people living with sight loss in Scotland is expected to double by 2031 to almost 400,000 people, largely because we have an ageing population.

Between 2010 and 2035, the percentage of the population aged 75 and over is projected to increase by 82 per cent. There is also a high incidence of sight-threatening conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, now the single biggest cause of sight loss among working age people, and the number of Scots with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes increases by around ten per cent every year.

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