The RNIB See Differently Awards, supported by People’s Postcode Lottery, recognise and celebrate outstanding work supporting people with sight loss. Hosted by standup comedian, Jamie MacDonald, the awards took place on Tuesday 21 May.
An optometrist from Leicestershire has won an RNIB See Differently Award in recognition of her role in the development of low-vision clinics across the UK over the last 30 years.
Dr Jane Macnaughton, who is currently writing a children’s book about a visually impaired dragon, slayed the judges and won Eye Care Professional of the Year. Roche UK is delighted to support the Eye Care Professional of the Year Award category (Roche had no input in the final decision). The award acknowledges outstanding health and social care professionals and organisations that demonstrate unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care incorporating both clinical and non-clinical support.
Dr Jane Macnaughton.
Jane currently works as both a Specialist Optometrist at Leicester Royal Infirmary and a Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University. The NHS low vision service run out of Leicester’s Royal Infirmary is delivered in partnership with Vista – Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s charity for people with sight loss – to support patients to live safe and independent lives.
Jane has played a key role in the development of low-vision clinics across the UK. She helped create the first training course for ECLOs (Eye Care Liaison Officers) and has written well-known textbooks for optometry students. Despite teaching around 80 students a year and recently gaining a PhD in vision rehabilitation, Jane is currently somehow finding time to write a children’s book about a visually impaired dragon.
In relation to winning the award, Jane said: “This has truly been a career highlight for me. It was quite nerve-racking because I wasn’t expecting it at all! I’ve spent so much time working in the sight loss sector and it’s such an enjoyable and rewarding career. I’m very grateful to be recognised with the Eye Care Professional of the Year Award.”
Jane was motivated to get involved with the development of low-vision clinics after an encounter with a patient who had just been certified blind. She was a member of the very first working group which sought how to better support blind and partially sighted people.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: "We are delighted to support the RNIB See Differently Awards. It's a fantastic opportunity to spotlight all the great work that is happening in the sight loss sector. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners; your contributions are a shining example of how we can work together to make a life-changing impact for blind and partially sighted people."
Dr Jane Macnaughton, RNIB Eye Care Professional of the Year SDA.
RNIB CEO Matt Stringer said: “The RNIB See Differently Awards celebrate the amazing stories and achievements of so many people and organisations who generously share their lived experience and professional knowledge.
“A huge congratulations to all our See Differently Award winners. Whether it’s in the world of employment, the world of influencing, or the world of generating more volunteers, there are some cracking stories to tell, and the ceremony was a great way to trumpet real achievement.”
Bringing together a host of people across the UK, the awards recognised exceptional individuals and teams across seven categories: Campaigner of the Year, Eye Care Professional of the Year, Best Content Creator of the Year, Team of the Year, Employer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Design for Everyone Award.
