> about sight loss
We know being diagnosed with an eye condition can be overwhelming and we are here to support you and your family as you adjust to life with sight loss.
​
Our team of highly trained sight loss advisors are here to provide help and advice. ​A sight advice appointment will give you essential practical and emotional advice to help you to continue living independently and with confidence. This is a non-clinical appointment available for anyone with sight loss. You do not need to be registered blind or partially sighted to access this service. These sessions are appropriate for those who are newly diagnosed as well as those who have had sight loss for a long time. If you’re in need of some advice and support for you or a loved one please get in touch by calling us on 01772 744148 or use the contact form below
​
​
Receiving a diagnosis of an eye condition can be an overwhelming experience. That is why we aim to be there at the very start of your sight loss journey. Our Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLO) are based in the Eye Clinics at both Lancaster and Preston hospitals. We work in partnership with hospital staff to ensure that no patient is left to cope with a potentially devastating diagnosis alone. Our service means that patients and their families understand the full impact of a diagnosis and where to go to get extra support. The ECLO acts as a contact for most things regarding sight loss and provides advice and guidance in many areas. They are able to talk through a diagnosis, discuss registration, sign post to external support, make referrals for various key services and arrange for equipment and technology demonstrations. The support doesn’t stop once you leave the hospital, our ECLO can be contacted via phone or email once you leave your appointment. Whatever your need, our ECLOs will be right there to offer emotional and practical support to help you through your next steps. Contact us for free and impartial support from the ECLO or ask when you are in the Eye Clinic if you would like to be put in touch.
​
Low Vision Assesments.
​
If you are struggling with your vision and have been told that nothing further can be done to help you medically, then get in touch with Galloway’s for a Low Vision Assessment. Our Low Vision Assessments are specifically designed to help people whose sight can no longer be improved by medical treatment or spectacles. At an assessment, one of our friendly Practitioners will talk to you about the problems you are experiencing with your sight and how it is affecting you on a day to day basis. They will then use their knowledge of the latest low vision aids, techniques and services to help you carry on doing the things you enjoy. If your GP is based in Greater Preston, Chorley and South Ribble or North Lancashire you can access the service free of charge. If you live outside these areas, please get in touch and we will help you find your nearest service. You do not need to be registered blind or partially sighted to access this service. For more information, or to book an appointment, please get in touch.
​
Living with Sight Loss Course.
​
The Galloway’s Living with Sight Loss course is a specialist two-day programme designed to help visually impaired people gain essential practical and emotional support. The courses cover a wide range of topics in a supportive, friendly environment. Attendees will get a chance to talk openly about sight loss, and discuss some of the challenges it presents and how these can be overcome with people who have experienced sight loss first hand. Core course elements include: Getting out and making the most of your leisure time, coping strategies designed to address the emotional aspects of sight loss, practical solutions to overcome challenges to everyday living, using technology to support sight loss and looking after your eyes and making the most of your vision. The course is for anyone who is living with sight loss and any family members who would like to attend. You do not need to be registered blind or partially sighted to access this service. For more information call us on 01772 744148
​
Your vision really matters! Sight is the sense people fear losing the most, yet many of us don’t know how to look after our eyes. Having a regular eye examination (eye test) with your optometrist (optician) is the best way to make sure that your eyes are healthy. Some sight-threatening conditions have no symptoms and could cause you to lose sight before you notice a difference. An eye examination can pick up these conditions making sure that you get any sight saving treatment you need.
​
​
Regular eye tests ​
Everyone should have their eyes examined at least once every two years - even if there is no change in your vision. An eye examination can often pick up the first signs of an eye condition before you notice any changes in your vision. This can lead to you getting vital treatment at the right time, which could save your sight.​ ​
Stop smoking ​
Did you know smoking can double the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, the UK's leading cause of sight loss? In fact, the link is as strong as the link between smoking and lung cancer. Speak to your GP about stopping smoking. ​​
Eat healthily and watch your weight ​
Eating a diet low in saturated fats but rich in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli may help delay the progression of cataracts and AMD. Oranges, kiwis, nuts, seeds and oily fish may also help prevent and slow down some eye conditions. Taking supplements is not a substitute for a healthy diet. It is important to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can increase the risk of developing diabetes, which in turn can cause sight loss.​ ​
Keep your eyes covered in the sun ​
UVA and UVB rays in sunlight can harm your eyes and may increase the risk of cataracts and AMD. Wearing sunglasses, glasses or contact lenses with built in UV filter will protect your eyes. Only buy sunglasses that have a CE mark or carry British Standard BS EN ISO 12312-1.​ A full range of eyeshields and sunglasses are available to buy at our sight loss centres.
Safety first ​
DIY causes thousands of eye related injuries each year. Always wear safety goggles (European Standard BS EN 166) to protect your eyes from flying debris and fine particles. Sport (especially racquet-based sports) also causes lots of eye related injuries each year. Investing in a good pair of protective sports goggles will help prevent serious damage to your eyes.
​
If you are concerned about your eyesight contact your local optometrist to book an appointment. You can search for an optician near you in England on the NHS Choices website, in Wales on NHS Direct Wales website, in Scotland on the NHS 24 website or in Northern Ireland on the Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland website. Research suggests that the following points will make sure your eyes are healthy and your risk of developing an eye condition is as small as possible.
​
Our information on individual eye conditions is medically checked and is designed to be as useful as possible. We listed some of the most common conditions below. If you would like more detailed information on any condition please give us a call and we will be happy to assist you.
