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A record number of islanders with sight loss have been referred to Jersey's only sight impairment charity by the Eye Department.
Formerly known as the Jersey Blind Society, EYECAN believes that sight impairment shouldn't stand in the way of someone achieving their goals and offers tailored support, activities and social events, to ensure that islanders of all ages are empowered to live more independently with their sight loss.
This year, demand for their help soared to record numbers, which, in addition to the charity's other activities, made for a busy year. The charity explained...
"EYECAN’s motto, “Together we can”, has exemplified much of the charity’s achievements this year.
Pictured: One of EYECAN's artists, Sarah Strudwick, posing with Maono.
Clients attending our popular Activity Club continue to take the lead in art projects, telling us what to provide so that they can be creative. Maono (Swahili for Vision) EYECAN’s stunning Go Wild gorilla sculpture is just one of their many remarkable artworks.
Record numbers of referrals are testimony to our stronger working relationship with the Eye Department, whilst opticians and support services generally, increasingly refer islanders to EYECAN for Community Optical support, which can help those in financial need to obtain spectacles.
Awareness raising to reduce public misconceptions about sight loss is always important to us, however this year we also worked with the island’s dDeaf support services to focus on Deafblind awareness.
Publication of a collaborative Deafblind advice booklet for care services will mark next year’s Deafblind Awareness Week.
Pictured: EYECAN has partnered with nutritionist Kit Chamier.
Sight loss awareness training and accreditation remain key objectives. We look forward to supporting the Care Industry with staff training, and accreditation, to ensure businesses are accessible and inclusive, in line with Disability Discrimination legislation.
This year our annual Walk in my Shoes event challenged participants to wear spectacles simulating diabetic retinopathy. Next year the walk focuses on hemianopia, a type of peripheral field sight loss which can affect stroke survivors, and people with head injury or brain tumour. Linked charities have been invited to work with us on this event.
Recognising that diet can play an important part in preventing sight loss we have teamed up with leading local nutritionist, Kit Chamier, to raise awareness of key foods which can protect eye health. As a healthy lifestyle also supports eye health, Jersey Sport’s Move More initiative has been welcomed by EYECAN for its inclusivity and ability to boost health and wellbeing.
Pictured: EYECAN works with Government departments to ensure the needs of sight-impaired islanders are considered.
Our strong links with UK partners enables technological innovations to be showcased at our annual EYECAN Solutions event, and for up-to-date equipment to be utilised for the benefit of clients. Exciting new developments are just around the corner – so watch this space!
EYECAN works closely with Education and with Government of Jersey services such as Infrastructure, to ensure that consideration is given to the needs of sight impaired islanders in every area.
Links with the Mental Health Service have been strengthened to improve communication, so that clients with poor mental health, and all involved in their care, can be better supported.
Whilst our involvement in the delivery of the Disability Strategy ensures input into identified objectives, such as every service’s responsibility to respond appropriately to the communication needs of sight impaired islanders.
So what are our targets for 2020? Well, EYECAN fully intends to build on these successes: strengthening ties with partner agencies, reaching out to more sight impaired islanders, supporting their independence, providing greater social and activity opportunity through more outings, and art workshops.
Together we can, as our motto has it!
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all islanders affected by sight loss. See you next year!"
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