Patients attending clinics at The Oxford Eye Hospital, face either initial or progressive diagnosis about their level of vision; sometimes they must face very bad news. Losing your sight is a very real form of bereavement but help from social services can take months to arrive. The delay between initial diagnosis and being contacted by social services leaves many people distressed and very anxious about what the future holds.

To support patients through this initial crisis we run a sight advisory desk at the hospital itself. Working within the outpatients department, we are perfectly placed to provide on-the-spot help and advice. With over 50,000 patient attendances every year, we reach a large number of visually impaired people, just when they need us most.

Knowledgeable staff (with personal experience of sight loss) provide help in the following areas:

- Basic counselling and reassurance

- Demonstration of daily living aids

- Products for V.I.P.’s are on display

- Information of benefits and social services

- Referral to OAB’s support services

- A listening ear and a practical head!

With a little equipment and training it is possible to carry on and enjoy life to the full. A special OAB advisor attends every clinic within the outpatients department at the Oxford Eye Hospital. You can contact our staff at the Eye Hospital on 01865 23 15 98. [ Please note that this is a new number ]. You will speak to Judith Wood. Judith is the Senior Sight Advisor for the past 10 years. She is a qualified counsellor with 35 years service as a nurse.

Please note that in January 2007, the OAB sight advisory desk will be located a new space at the new John Radcliffe hospital.

Opening times:

Tuesday to Friday - 9.00am to 5.00pm.

CLOSED ON MONDAY'S.

Location: The OAB Sight Advisory Desk is located in the waiting area of the Opthalmology Department.

The Oxford Eye Hospital, The West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford, OX2 6HE.

[ Further information on the Oxford Eye Hospital ]