People experiencing sight loss will be able to access essential support, information and advice to help adapt thanks to a new partnership between ASDA Opticians and the UK’s leading sight loss charity, Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
ASDA Opticians employs optometrists and dispensing opticians in 156 of its stores across the UK and has begun rolling out a partnership with RNIB to enable those with existing or new eye conditions to self-refer to the charity.
There are an estimated 2 million people living with sight loss in the UK and that number is forecast to double by 2050.
Last year, RNIB launched its Eye Care Support Pathway which sets out a framework for the transformation of eye care services. RNIB worked with partners across the NHS, social care, the third sector and the public to map out the journey of patients from the moment someone realises ‘something isn’t quite right’ with their sight, through to diagnosis and being able to live independently and with confidence, ensuring they have access to the right information and support they need.
By working with partners like ASDA Opticians with 25 years’ experience in delivering eyecare services to its customers, RNIB will be able to offer support to new audiences that previously weren’t aware of its services.
As well as expert information about a wide range of eye conditions, RNIB can also help those with the condition learn more about topics including getting around more easily, money and benefits, employment and leisure.
Dr Louise Gow, Head of Eye Health, Optometry and Low Vision at RNIB said: “By working with ASDA with their optometrists in stores across the UK, it will better enable patients to self-refer to RNIB for information, advice and support when they’re diagnosed with an eye condition.
“We’re a charity with a history of more than 150 years of supporting blind and partially sighted people. By partnering with ASDA Opticians with more than 150 locations nationwide, this will be a springboard to reaching more people and providing timely information and support services to make a difference.”
As part of the partnership work, RNIB has delivered educational sessions for optometrists at ASDA Opticians this spring and autumn, as well as co-designing the ASDA referral approach and marketing information on the service.
Stuart Laird, Head of Optical at ASDA Opticians commented: “This partnership with RNIB will help us to improve access to support and services for any of our patients who require it. RNIB resource packs and information will mean that our clinicians can offer helpful, practical and timely access to support from a convenient community setting. Raising awareness around how we can support people living with sight loss is hugely important and this collaboration will help us achieve that.”
