Sight loss and Isolation
We have been told that often healthcare professionals do not fully explain how a diagnosis will impact on a day-to-day basis, because it is so individualised. Leaving the person feeling confused, frustrated, isolated, and worried about the future.
I was told I was losing my sight and that is that.
No-one told me what I needed, and who could support me when I began losing my sight.
A diagnosis of sensory impairment is multi-dimensional, individual and life changing. It impacts on a person’s independence, self-confidence, self-identity, emotions, finance, social and all aspects of day-to-day living. This can leave people becoming isolated without the right support, tools, and information.
I lost my sight, my driving licence, my car, and my job in one day. I had no-one to talk to or to tell me that things would be okay -spent the next 6 months not leaving the house in a severe state of depression.
What can support people is having: the right information, right support, at the right time, in the right place and with the right person.
It’s incredibly valuable to have someone who can ask the questions you might not think are important. As the saying goes, “you don’t know what you don’t know.” The staff at 4Sight Vision Support have a remarkable way of asking the questions others may not have considered. They give people time to speak openly, helping them explore and better understand their own needs and priorities.
Having the opportunity to ask questions about their sight, their life and what they can do, what help is available, who can support and importantly how to access, means people can regain control over their life. Knowing that practical solutions exist, even for challenges they once thought impossible to overcome, can be incredibly empowering.
I had no idea there would be something that could help me, even the little things that I would never have thought of.
4Sight Vision Support
4Sight Vision Support provides emotional and practical support after a diagnosis at an eye unit, including help to understand the certification and registration process of having a visual impairment.
Being able to speak with a caring, qualified professional after diagnosis - someone who can explain what healthcare providers have said and who understands the impact of sight loss - is truly invaluable.
4Sight Vision Support also create personalised support plans to help people access the right support and maintain their independence after a sight loss diagnosis. Using a holistic, person-centred approach, they provide advice, accessibility aids and a caring, friendly, and inclusive community.
About 4Sight Vision Support
For over 100 years, 4Sight Vision Support has been the leading sight loss charity supporting blind and sight impaired people living in West Sussex.
4Sight Vision Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting and engaging with people across West Sussex who are blind or partially sighted. They empower them to live as independently as possible by providing tailored support, building confidence, and promoting inclusivity.
They understand that a sight loss diagnosis can be a devastating and life-changing time. They are a caring and trusted team who will help relieve fear and anxiety by helping you to adapt and give you the confidence to do the things you want to do.
4Sight Vision Support is there for the people of West Sussex at the time when it matters most.
If you’re supporting someone with sight loss, they’re here for you too.
Their services are available across West Sussex: anyone can contact them; you do not need to be referred.
01243 828 555
