Customer with age related macular degeneration can enjoy her independence thanks to the ECL Sensory Team

80 year old Jean has no vision in her left eye and significant blurring in her right which makes it difficult for her to distinguish between colours, watch television, and read. After a course of hospital treatment came to an end, Jean was referred to ECL’s Sensory Service to see whether any further assistance could be offered which might make her life a little easier.

Rehabilitation Worker, Gill, visited Jean at home to understand her concerns and identify key areas for improvement. As a first step, Gill recommended that Jean speak to her GP to see if she could be referred to her local healthcare service for a Certificate of Visual Impairment. Doing so would mean she’d be officially registered as sight impaired and would ensure she was in receipt of all the extra support that entails.

When Jean mentioned she wasn’t able to read her mail without the help of her family, Gill also recommended she install ‘Seeing AI’ on her iPad, a free app designed specifically for people with a visual impairment. The app can read out text as it appears in front of the camera, as well as describe people, perceive colour, and identify products or bank notes. It has proved to be a game changer for Jean, who is delighted Gill introduced her to it.

As well as flagging up this useful tech, during her visit Gill was able to demonstrate a number of other practical measures which would help Jean day-to-day. A liquid level indicator was provided, and high visibility tape was applied to cupboard doors which Jean had been known to bump into. Before heading off, Gill also updated the settings on Jean’s television so that she could enjoy her favourite programmes using the audio description function.

Jean says of her ECL experience, “I am very pleased with the service I received. Gill was brilliant and I am now able to read letters using my iPad instead of relying on my family. I feel more independent, and I have recommended the service to a family friend. Thank you Gill and the team at ECL.”