Spectacle-wearing TV comedian Harry Hill presented the prizes at this year’s optician awards where an eyecare centre run by a partnership including Islington Social Services was short-listed for a national award for its work in helping people make the most of their poor eyesight. Contrasting lighting, different coloured tablecloths and place mats, brightly coloured china and chopping boards are just some of the innovative ideas used by the RNIB Camden and Islington Low Vision Centre to make things easier for people with poor eyesight. The centre in Judd Street was nominated for Specialist Eye Practice of the Year- the most competitive category with the highest number of entries. Opened two years ago by David Lammy, then Under Secretary of State for Health, and run by Islington and Camden Social Services departments, Islington and Camden Primary Care Trusts and the Royal National Institute for the Blind, it was nominated for excellent practice in the wide range of services it offers. A home service is offered to patients unable to get there, and the centre has made huge strides in raising the profile of low vision with doctors and other health and social carers to make it a big factor when they are thinking about preventing falls, looking after diabetes and caring for people just out of hospital. “We are very proud that the centre was nominated for an award because of its excellent practice in providing a diverse range of services,” said Cllr Meral Ece, Islington’s Executive Member for Health and Social Care. “People who need help with their eyesight not only get glasses and other magnifying aids here, but help with benefits, advice, access to wider health care as well as practical suggestions to make living in their homes easier.” People referred to the centre are seen by both optometrists and rehabilitation workers to define their sight problems, whilst offering help to make the best of their lifestyles. Says centre user Cathy Browne, who has low vision and diabetes: “Staff have given me help and advice to make it easier to manage my self-medication with insulin – and it is easier to control my diet when I can use magnifiers to read the labels on food packages.” ends Notes to editors TV comic Harry Hill has worn glasses since he was 8 and made his mark in the optical world last year being voted male Spectacle Wearer of the Year. The Optician Awards is a national event run by Optician magazine.
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008