• Emotional Support

    It can be difficult to come to terms with sight loss. Many people struggle to cope with their emotions and often feel shocked, upset or isolated.  You may find it helpful to talk to a trained counsellor about your feelings.

    Publications

    Sight Loss Shropshire has put together a factsheet on sources of emotional support.  Please call our office on 07778 956096 or email us at admin@sightlossshropshire.org.uk if you would like a copy, or you can download it here (MS Word format).

    The RNIB has a useful section on its website about coming to terms with sight loss.

    The Macular Society produces a booklet on the Emotional Impact of Sight Loss.  You can request a copy from the Advice and Information Service on 0300 3030 111.

  • Ophthalmology Departments

    The Ophthalmology Department of the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) works across the county, with outpatient departments in the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Princess Royal Hospital, Telford and Wrekin Community Clinic, Telford.  Outreach clinics are also provided in Whitchurch and Welshpool.

  • Optometry Schemes

    These schemes enable some patients to receive treatment from local, trained and accredited  optometrists instead of having to attend either Royal Shrewsbury or Princess Royal Hospital. Dependent on your condition, it may not be appropriate for you to receive these services in this way, in which case you will need to attend the hospital.  To find out which optometrists provide these services in your local area, please contact Shropshire CCG or Telford & Wrekin CCG.

    MECS (Minor Eye Conditions Service) is a free service delivered by local accredited optometrists, who can offer appointments if you need advice or treatment for a recent eye condition.  The service is available across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.

    The Glaucoma Repeat Pressure Scheme enables accredited optometrists to conduct a repeat test of intra-ocular pressure for individuals whose initial test result was 22 mmHg or higher.  The repeat test is carried out at the local practice within 7 days of the first test.

    The Cataract Referral Refinement scheme enables accredited optometrists to conduct a full cataract assessment, which will include: discussion of a health self-assessment questionnaire completed by the patient; communication of the risks and benefits; ascertaining the patient’s willingness to proceed with surgery; and their suitability.

    The Post Op Cataract Follow Up scheme enables accredited optometrists to conduct the post-operative assessment following cataract surgery.  Patients will be suitable for discharge into the service if they have had uncomplicated surgery and no co-morbidity, with the final decision being taken by their ophthalmologist. Patients will be given a discharge letter, with the instruction to make an appointment with an accredited Optometrist at a practice of their choice 4-6 weeks after surgery. A list of participating practices will be supplied to the patient.

    The Paediatric Screening Pathway scheme enables children, identified as having a sight defect at school screening tests, to be referred to an accredited community optometrist.   Only those children deemed to need secondary care attention will be subsequently referred to the hospital.

    The Ocular Hypertension Monitoring Pathway enables patients with OHT, who can be safely and effectively managed within the community, to be discharged to an accredited community optometrist.

Other resources

Know a resource that could make a difference? Share it with us!

If you’ve found an organisation, service, or website especially helpful for navigating sight loss, we’d love to hear about it. Together, we can build a stronger community and provide even better support for everyone.