Thousands of blind and partially sighted people are being denied their right to vital rehabilitation services – the first step in rebuilding life after sight loss – but a Freedom of Information request has revealed the Isle of Wight is bucking the worrying trend. Some 86% of local authorities are missing the 28-day recommended deadline by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman to explore a person’s needs after sight loss – which can happen over time or suddenly and without warning. The Isle of Wight is not one of them though, meeting the 28-day target every time. RNIB’s stark FOI report, entitled ‘Out of Sight: The Hidden Scandal of Vision Rehabilitation Services Across England’, highlights that 26% of local authorities leave blind and partially sighted people waiting more than a year for a vision rehabilitation assessment and subsequent support – sometimes at a traumatic time. These delays to support people with sight loss leaves them at increased risk of physical accidents and injuries, as well as mental health crises. Again, the Isle of Wight sees people in under 28 days, being 1 of only 6 local authorities to meet both targets out of the 152 included in the Freedom of Information request. Lisa Hollyhead, CEO of Wight Sense, who completes all vision and indeed hearing loss rehabilitation work on the Island, has said:
“Done well and promptly, vision rehabilitation equips people with new ways to stay independent: to get out and about, adapt their work, do the weekly shop and enjoy the hobbies they love. However, equally when not done, all this can be lost very quickly leading people to becoming very isolated. “Here at Wight Sense, we are funded by the Isle of Wight Council to offer prompt and effective support to help people live Safely, Independently and Confidently. We have rehabilitation specialists here, ready to help anyone living with the reality of Sight Loss and Hearing Loss. Anyone can refer themselves to the service by simply calling us on 240222″.
That’s amazing. Well done IOW council and Wight Sense!