Sight loss has the potential to take away your profession, affect your independence and lead to loneliness and isolation but there is a charity that can help right on your doorstep which comes well recommended by a Good Company member. East Sussex Vision Support (formerly the East Sussex Association of Blind and Partially Sighted People) has supported blind and partially sighted people in East Sussex, Brighton and Hove for over 100 years.
Here are some of the most common eye problems many of our members experience:
Cataracts are cloudy areas that develop in the lens in the front of the eye. Normally, the lens of the eye is clear like a camera lens. Cataracts keep light from easily passing through the lens to the back of the eye (the retina), causing blurry vision.
Glaucoma is usually related to increased pressure inside the eye. If left untreated, this condition can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness. Risk factors for glaucoma include heredity, age, race, diabetes and some medications.
Age Related Macular Degeneration -The macula is the retina's small central portion containing millions of nerve cells sensitive to light. This area of the retina is responsible for detailed vision, such as facial recognition and reading. AMD is characterised by the loss of cells in this area causing blurred or distorted central vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication of diabetes. It occurs when small blood vessels stop feeding the retina properly. In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, the blood vessels may leak fluid, causing blurred vision or there may be no symptoms at all.
Retinitis Pigmentosa is the name given to a group of diseases which affect the light-sensitive cells of the retina. Symptoms include but are not limited to:
Night blindness
Loss of side (peripheral) vision
Difficulty seeing in dim light
If an eye consultant registers you as sight impaired or severely sight impaired
they notify ESVS who will give you a call to see if you are happy to go on the sight
impairment register. You don’t have to agree to be registered but there are benefits such as access to a bus pass and a reduction in your TV licence.
Whether you’ve just received a diagnosis or your sight problem has worsened ESVS is there to give comfort and guidance. They won’t charge you a penny but they could make a massive difference to your life.
So what can they do to help me?
The Low Vision Service is a one-stop service to help with everything from explaining your condition to directing you to the right benefits and referring you to the correct services. The process starts with an informal phone call from one of the charity’s support workers who come and see you at home within six weeks. Call the charity’s telephone helpline Monday to Thursday 9am to 4.30pm on 01323 832252 or email them at info@eastsussexvisionsupport.org
You can find out how the latest technology can help. The charity has a wide range of
equipment and aids you can try out at their Hailsham HQ from different coloured eye shields you can pop over prescription glasses to talking microwaves and air fryers! Call the charity to book your appointment.
They can get you out and about. The charity runs 12 social clubs, including one in
Crowborough which meets once a month hosting lunches and socials in local halls.
For people who need extra support the Higher Intervention Service might help. Maybe you need help getting back to work or hobbies or you need support with housing or benefits. Once again this is completely free and is just a phone call away.
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