Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs) provide people recently diagnosed with an eye condition the practical and emotional support they need to understand their diagnosis, deal with their sight loss and maintain their independence.
ECLOs have the time to dedicate to patients following consultation, so that they can discuss the impact the condition may have on their life.
When attending an eye clinic, some people may not be able to take in or understand all the information they are given about their sight condition and may not know what questions to ask. At what can be a distressing time, the ECLO team help provide essential support in clinic when it is needed most.
Sheffield Hospitals Charity are proud to fund two ECLOs at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals
Sharon Gill and Tracy Fishwick, Eye Care Liaison Officers, said:
“The ECLO role is to provide a bridge between hospital and community services. We prioritise the patient’s own needs and aspirations. We support with challenges they may face such as impact on their work, ability to drive, living alone, and managing sight loss with other health conditions. We help people with what certification they may need and who to register their sight loss with.
We have helped 414 people in the last 5 months. Our service is invaluable to anyone suffering sight loss, not only on a practical level with daily tasks but also the emotional impact sight loss can have on a person that can affect their overall wellbeing.”
Ali Anthony, Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, said:
“I would like to express my appreciation for our Eye Clinic Liaison Officers in Sheffield. The service they provide is invaluable and serves as a crucial link between Health and Social Care.
We have regular communication, and both Sharon and Tracy consistently demonstrate their willingness to assist, often exceeding expectations in their support for patients. Their professionalism, efficiency, and reliability make them a pleasure to collaborate with. I have complete confidence knowing they serve as the first point of contact for patients during their most vulnerable moments.”
Published: Tuesday 1st of April 2025