It’s a devastating diagnosis which can rob people of their independence.
Each year, thousands of people in Hull and the East Riding lose some or all their sight through conditions like Macular Degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, genetic conditions or through major trauma including cancer, injury or assault.
The Eye Clinic Liaison Service is a team of three Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLO) based at Hull and East Yorkshire Eye Hospital, run by NHS Humber Health Partnership. They support up to 6,000 patients with visual impairment each year, acting as a bridge between health, social care and education to help them to maintain or regain their independence.
June Crosby, the Senior ECLO leading the team, said: “We are here as the first point of contact for patients following a diagnosis of sight loss, ongoing sight problems or deteriorating eye conditions. We listen to our patients, assess their needs, establish how they are struggling and refer them to appropriate support.
“Most people understand immediately the impact sight loss will have on their lives and it can be devastating for them. The first thing we provide is emotional support for the patient, family and carers. We talk people through their condition, helping them understand what the consultant, doctor or clinicians have told them as it can be a lot to take in during a short appointment. We listen to their concerns and act as their advocate, raising questions they might have regarding their diagnosis or treatment plan.”
The ECLO service was established in 2007, while June was employed by Hull City Council and Sight Support, before she was transferred to the NHS in 2011. Although she has done the job for almost 19 years, her passion to help her patients shines through everything she does. At 64, she’s showing no signs of slowing down.
“I absolutely love my job,” says June. “It’s a role that can be deeply emotional and often challenging and there are days that stay with you. But I’m resilient and I truly feel I have the best job in the NHS. I’m there for people at some of the hardest moments in their lives and I can see the difference the support from the ECLO team makes to them.”
With around 32,000 patients on the ECLO database, almost 13,000 are currently being supported by the team. Their work reaches into every corner of a person’s life. They help with emotional support, low‑vision equipment, benefits and concessions, education and employment, mobility issues, daily‑living challenges, carer support and housing. They also guide patients through the process of being certified as sight impaired or severely sight impaired (CVI), when they meet the criteria.
And contrary to popular belief, sight loss doesn’t just affect older people. Around seven in ten of the people June and the team support are of working age and they also see around 30 children every month.
The team works Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, and deliver ophthalmic outpatient support, accepting referrals from consultants, doctors and the wider Ophthalmic Team. Patients can also refer themselves to the service.
June said: “We want patients to know that we are here to help them ,should they need emotional or practical advice. The earlier they come to us after diagnosis, the sooner we can get them the help they need.”
To get in touch with the team, email [email protected] or call (01482 ) 605333