Lee's Journey to independence: ECL Sensory Service transforms life after sight loss
Lee spent a long time hoping that the next operation would be the one to restore his failing sight but unfortunately, after multiple surgeries, it became apparent that his vision was unlikely to improve. Thankfully, an introduction to ECL’s Sensory Service helped him to start looking forward to a more positive future…
Having the support of ECL’s Sensory Service helped me to move forward.
Reading, watching movies, playing video games – all beloved hobbies of Lee Mercer before Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (ruptured blood vessels in the eye caused by Type 1 diabetes) took its toll on his sight.
"For a long time after my diagnosis I was in a sort of limbo - waiting and hoping that some of my vision would return, going from operation to operation with no guarantee of success,” said Lee. “Once I received my Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI), I began to accept that this was it and that I might not be able to do certain things anymore."
It was then, in 2019, that Lee was referred to ECL’s Sensory Service for an assessment via the Eye Care Liaison Officer (ECLO) at Southend Hospital.
Lee said: “That was the first time that someone outside of a hospital setting had been there to offer advice about what was available to me in terms of support, training, and technology. Having access to the Sensory Service helped me to start thinking about moving forward – it was an important step and made me feel so much more positive about the future.”
ECL was able to provide Lee with training on how to use assistive technology, navigate using a cane, and even cook a simple meal in his kitchen by using appliances safely. He was given a signature card, stuck ‘bump ons’ around his home, and got his first liquid level indicator. “Having the confidence and the tools to make myself a meal and a hot drink was a bit of a revelation,” says Lee. “Up until that point, I hadn’t really considered how I would be able to do those things and had always asked others to help me – between that and the bump ons, I regained a level of independence I’d not had for a while.”
Lee will always be grateful to ECL for setting him on the path to discovering the array of assistive technologies available. “I’ve always been into gadgets, so having an excuse to buy cool new tech that speaks to me has been great,” he smiles. In addition to practical in-home support, Lee was also offered help getting out and about in the form of long cane training and a dedicated sighted guide who still joins him once a week.
“Having a sighted guide means I can leave the house to exercise safely, visit new places, and travel to medical appointments,” says Lee. “Knowing there’s someone by my side means I can relax when I’m out, and the technology I’ve been introduced to allows me to do more of the things I love at home, like playing tabletop role-playing games online with friends.”
With the backing of ECL, Lee has been able to come to terms with his sight loss and doesn’t allow it to hold him back. On the contrary, it has inspired him to become one of ECL’s Lived Experience Volunteers, sharing his story and talking to groups about what it’s like to live with a visual impairment. He says, “Being able to pass on the things I’ve learnt and raise awareness of the issues people with sight loss face is really rewarding. Not only that but highlighting the services that exist to help them means that others like me who may be feeling a little lost will hopefully receive the support they need, too.”
If you or someone you know would benefit from ECL’s expert sensory support, contact us at SensoryServices@essexcares.org or speak to one of our sensory specialists on 0333 013 3262.