Scotland’s Virtual Kiltwalk is taking place from April 23rd to 25th and Leith couple Annette and Warren West plan to put their best feet forward in aid of sight loss charity RNIB Scotland.
“Our proposed route is from my house in Leith to Portobello and back again,” she says, “approximately six miles, which is in similar length to the traditional Kiltwalk’s ‘Wee Wander’ option.”
Annette (61) has experienced sight loss herself for over 30 years but has always been helped and supported by RNIB Scotland. She thinks lockdown has made the Edinburgh-based charity’s services even more vital.
But rather than join her on her walk, where social distancing rules still apply, she suggests people might want to sponsor her, or organise their own activities and donate any funds raised to her Just Giving page.
“The great thing about the Kiltwalk has always been that any money raised is topped up by 50 percent by the Tom Hunter Foundation,” Annette says. “So any donation can lever in even more money, increasing the impact.
“I’m now into my fifth year of doing the Kiltwalk and fundraising on behalf of RNIB Scotland is more important than ever, as it enables blind and partially sighted people to stay connected with each other at a time when many are feeling very isolated.
“I’m also passionate about health and wellbeing and I try to maintain regular exercise, which isn’t always easy due to the restrictions currently in place. Having the Virtual Kiltwalk gives me something to focus on and keeps me motivated.
“It helps me, too, to develop good eating habits and take regular exercise. So, for me doing the Kiltwalk is not just about walking but a way of maintaining a healthy balanced life-style.”
British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF), a Kent-based sight loss charity that provides free, specially adapted audio equipment to those living with sight loss, is proud to announce that its popular BWBFConnect service will continue throughout 2021.
The dedicated service was initially launched in April 2020, shortly after the UK entered its first COVID-19 lockdown. Designed to better connect vulnerable people to essential support networks, the scheme a free audio device, delivered direct to the door, to ensure critical information is communicated effectively, and that vulnerable people can access vital support.
To date, more than 2000 radios have been delivered under the BWBF initiative. Having proven to be highly successful, and in great demand, BWBF hopes that the continuation of the scheme throughout 2021 will enable even more people with sight loss to stay connected, rebuild their confidence, and reduce feelings of isolation. BWBF is striving to provide another 2000 devices this year.
Sophie Wheldon, BWBF Regional Development Manager said, “BWBFConnect was so successful during 2020 that we are extending the project to support more people with sight loss across the coming year.
“While we have had some very positive news lately about the roadmap out of lockdown, what many don’t realise is that life won’t return to normal until much later for those with sight loss.
“With the continuation of the scheme, we want to make sure that people living with sight loss do not become COVID’s forgotten; we want to ensure that we’re doing everything we can to provide mental stimulation, news, and entertainment during lonely times.”
The radios play a significant role in delivering news and information, along with entertainment and, perhaps most importantly, a friendly voice and companionship at a time when many people are separated from their friends and families.
“I love this device, it keeps me company all day. I can’t see my children or grandchildren so this is all I have to keep me company. I have the radio on all day and in the evening I listen to my talking books, it’s a Godsend,” says Jean, aged 75 from Birmingham, who received an audio device under the BWBFConnect scheme.
According to research by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), many of those living with sight loss are fearful of going out because they are unable to clearly see social distancing markets.
The RNIB reports that some have been confronted for a failure to abide by the 2-metre regulation. Additionally, around one quarter have been unable to carry on as normal as social distancing laws have meant they no longer have access to a necessary guide.
BWBF phone lines have remained open during the pandemic, and will remain open with staff and volunteers carrying out many of their duties from home to continue providing necessary support for those with sight loss as the UK’s lockdown continues.
To find out if someone you know is eligible for a free device under the BWBFConnect scheme, visit www.blind.org.uk or call 01622 754 757.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is warning that ongoing lockdown and coronavirus restrictions could be causing a spike in hallucinations due to sight loss.
Hallucinations due to sight loss are known as Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS), which is caused when the brain attempts to fill in gaps in visual information with invented images or patterns. The hallucinations vary from person to person and range from simple lights or patterns to complex images. They are often distressing.
The condition has now sparked interest from Britain’s longest running television soap, ‘Coronation Street’, with a storyline showing Weatherfield resident Johnny Connor, played by actor Richard Hawley, beginning to hallucinate cockroaches, cats and people. Although his symptoms are caused by sight loss, they are initially misidentified as a psychiatric issue.
Although there is little research into the condition, it is widely believed that at least third of all people with significant sight loss experience these symptoms, but it is often under-reported.
Over the last 12 months, the number of people calling RNIB’s Sight Loss Advice Service to report CBS has increased – with sharp peaks in calls corresponding with coronavirus restrictions. Last month, the number of calls about hallucinations increased by more than two-thirds (67 per cent) compared to January 2020, and accounted for more calls than any other condition.
Thelma Good, aged 70, from Biggar in South Lanarkshire, has experienced Charles Bonnet Syndrome for years after losing a large proportion of her sight due to glaucoma and cataracts.
She said: “I studied psychology at university, and we learned about Charles Bonnet Syndrome in my course. Because of this, although it would be years until I was officially diagnosed with the syndrome, I was able to understand why I was having hallucinations, I knew that it was related to my sight.
“One of the scary aspects for me is that when I cross the road my brain fills in the gaps in my vision with a clear road, which means that I can’t see approaching cars or cyclists. That can be really challenging and frightening, so it takes me a long time to cross roads.”
Dr Louise Gow, specialist lead for eye health at RNIB, said: “The increase in calls and emails we have received about CBS since lockdown has been dramatic. And the visions that are being reported are much more vivid than usual, which has left many people feeling particularly distressed – describing their hallucinations as ‘out of control’.
“It’s as though the stress and anxiety of coronavirus, and the resulting restrictions, has had an impact on people’s symptoms. Although there is currently no research to confirm such a link, it would seem stress and lack of stimulation can increase symptoms.”
To help people with the condition, RNIB has launched a new Talk and Support service specifically for people experiencing CBS. Created with CBS specialists Esme’s Umbrella.
Judith Potts, founder of Esme’s Umbrella said: “We launched Esme’s Friends, a telephone chat service, which has now joined RNIB’s Talk and Support Groups. The calls provide peer-support and new contacts, all of whom understand what it is like to live in a world of vivid, silent, visual hallucinations.
“The calls can be joined by carers and family members who are too often forgotten, but who also need support. Through Esme’s Friends, people living with CBS find they are part of a community which is developing its own voice.”
Dr Louise Gow added: “It is very worrying that awareness of CBS remains low, even among health and care professionals. We have heard of several instances where GPs have mistakenly referred patients to mental health services, rather than directing them to information about how to cope with CBS and ensuring that they see an eye health professional.
“If this happens, it is possible that the underlying vision issue causing the CBS is not treated and could worsen, resulting in further avoidable sight loss.
“While there is still a lot to learn about the condition, it’s more important than ever that health and care professionals are made aware of CBS. There is a range of support and advice available to help people living with the condition. But patients must first be diagnosed appropriately.”
Professor Mariya Moosajee, consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, said: “We are working hard to better understand CBS and how it can be managed.
“This includes a study to learn how common CBS is in children across the UK. We are hoping to start a study into deciphering the overall time period affected by visual hallucinations, as this will help us to provide a more accurate prognosis for patients to guide them on how long to expect them to occur.
“We would welcome further research on CBS to increase our understanding and would also encourage clinicians to ask their patients about CBS symptoms regularly.”
Anyone with sight loss who is experiencing visions or hallucinations – or any sudden change in their sight – should seek immediate help from an eye health professional or contact RNIB’s Helpline on 0303 123 9999.
2020 has been challenging and, although many people like to give generously to charity at Christmas, it may be difficult to make a donation this year.
Rather than gifting money, this Christmas you can help support the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) by collecting and donating used stamps from cards and parcels you may receive.
Your stamps will be recycled and turned into vital funds that will help RNIB make Christmas as open and inclusive as possible for children with vision impairment. By supporting RNIB with your stamps, you can help make good things happen for these children, like ensuring they receive a letter from Santa in a format they can read.
To get involved and receive a pre-paid envelope for your stamps, visit www.rnib.org.uk/stamps or call 0303 123 9999.
After this all you need to do is send your stamps using RNIB’s freepost envelopes, and they’ll take care of the rest. It really is that simple!
Show your support for RNIB this Christmas and New Year by collecting stamps and help make life better for blind and partially sighted people.
The National Theatre of Scotland has won a UK-wide award from sight loss charity RNIB for ‘using its time, resources and skills to support the blind and partially sighted community during the coronavirus crisis’.
Scotland’s national theatre company was shortlisted under the ‘Best Corporate Response’ category of the charity’s See Differently ‘Coronavirus Heroes’ Awards.
The awards aim to shine a spotlight on the people and organisations who have stepped up to help, support and find solutions to the challenges faced by people with sight loss and their communities during the pandemic.
RNIB Head of Integrated Marketing Lorna Forbes said: “Although 2020 has been an incredibly challenging year, there have been some amazing acts of kindness and support that have played a significant role in helping others through a tough time.
“Our awards recognise these amazing achievements and say thank you to these outstanding individuals and organisations.”
National Theatre of Scotland’s Artistic Director Jackie Wylie said: “We are delighted to have won one of the RNIB’s Coronavirus Heroes for our work to support audiences during the ongoing pandemic.
“At the National Theatre of Scotland, we are committed to ensuring all of our projects are accessible to everyone, including blind and partially sighted audiences. The importance of providing access to culture for isolated people across the country, especially during such a uniquely challenging time, cannot be overstated, so to be recognised for the work on our COVID-responsive digital season is an honour.”
In response to the lockdown, the National Theatre of Scotland developed ‘Scenes for Survival’ – a programme of digital performances exploring personal journeys of lockdown life, created with accessibility as a priority.
The free shows were made available to audiences throughout the summer garnering more than 16 million views across all platforms to date and remain available to watch for free through the National Theatre of Scotland website.
Audio-described versions of shows were available on the Theatre’s YouTube channel and website. All were are also subtitled, while the series is being regularly updated on its website with individual British Sight Language (BSL) introductions to performances.
‘The Scenes for Survival’ programme was created in association with BBC Scotland, Screen Scotland, BBC Arts’ Culture in Quarantine project and Scotland’s leading theatre venues and companies, with support from Hopscotch Films.
Charity calls for children in Scotland to help set Guinness World Records™ title
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is calling for families in Scotland to take part in a giant virtual reading event in December.
The charity hopes that the event will achieve a Guinness World Records title to highlight the need for more positive representations of disability in children’s literature.
To take part, families will need to read the RNIB’s re-imagining of the fairy-tale favourite, Little Red Riding Hood, called ‘Red and the Wolf’. It includes a young girl with vision impairment as the main character, who uses a long cane and is highly skilled at martial arts.
Aimed at children aged three to seven, the book, which was written by author Deborah Fajerman, also comes with an audio version that has special sound effects designed to help children ‘read along’ with the story.
RNIB head of innovation and development Caroline Beard said: “Our earliest perceptions of the world are shaped by the books we read.
“It is essential that children see disability as natural from an early age, to challenge discrimination, promote an understanding of difference, and help children with disabilities feel included in society. However, there is a shocking lack of positive disabled characters and role models in children’s books.
“We launched ‘Red and the Wolf’ to refresh a classic story and turn it into something that celebrates difference. Now, we are really excited to ask families in Scotland to help us by taking part in RNIB’s virtual ReadAlong and hope that many children will enjoy reading about how Red overcomes the challenges she faces.”
Adam Brown, head of records at Guinness World Records, said: “We wish the RNIB the very best of luck in their upcoming attempt.
“Inclusiveness is a value that Guinness World Records holds very dear and RNIB’s work in challenging discrimination and ensuring that all children with disabilities feel positively represented in the books they read, and in society in general, is incredibly important.
The RNIB ReadAlong aims to achieve the Guinness World Record title for the ‘Most photos of people holding books uploaded to Facebook in one hour’. It will take place on Thursday, 10th December, on the charity’s Facebook page.
To take part, families are being asked to take a photo of themselves reading Red and the Wolf, and post it to the page between 6pm and 7pm. The record will be measured by the number of individuals who upload a photo of themselves, or their families, within the hour.
‘Red and the Wolf ‘is available to purchase now from www.readalong.org.uk for £8.99 including delivery.
Optometrists in Scotland have collaborated with the charity RNIB Scotland to produce a video [https://bit.ly/2AZ55VO] explaining what blind and partially sighted people can expect when visiting their local optometry practice.
The video seeks to emphasise that new procedures in place will ensure the safety of anyone who needs to attend for examinations or treatment.
At present, visits to optometric practices (also known as opticians) are for emergency treatment only and must be pre-arranged. Otherwise people are asked to phone their local practice which will decide if cases can be dealt with over the phone or via tablet or laptop.
In the video, Alastair Duff, an executive committee independent member of the professional body Optometry Scotland, explains that those who do need to attend in person will first be asked some questions to ensure they and the staff in the practice won’t be put at risk.
“The measures that are in place in practices include social distancing and requesting patients not to speak when an optometrist is in close proximity,” he says. “All staff will have personal protective equipment and consultation rooms will be disinfected after each visit.
“Spectacles and any other low vision aids will be delivered so patients won’t have to come back into the practice.”
Blind or partially sighted patients will be allowed to take a guide-dog or sighted guide with them as long as they let the practice know in advance. All other patients are asked to attend by themselves.
James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted health care across the board, so it’s very reassuring that people, especially those with a visual impairment, can still access treatment in a safe environment.
“Maintaining eye-health remains as important as ever to detect any problems early enough to arrest or hopefully reverse any sight-threatening symptoms. Left untreated, some conditions could eventually result in permanent deterioration in sight, so we don’t want anyone to neglect eye-health.”
It is expected that optometric practices will reopen to the general public in August depending on the advice given by the Scottish Government.
Blind and partially sighted people in Scotland can be guided by someone living outwith their household if necessary, the Minister for Older People and Equalities Christina McKelvie MSP has confirmed.
Up to 50 per cent of people with acute or urgent eye conditions may not have been attending scheduled eye-healthcare appointments because of concerns over coronavirus.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland is urging people to continue treatment which, in some cases, may be vital to prevent permanent sight loss.
According to the UK Ophthalmology Alliance, ophthalmic professionals across the UK have found that up to 30 to 50 per cent of people with acute or urgent eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of sight loss, have missed appointments during the peak of lockdown.
James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland, said: “It is very concerning if people are not attending appointments or seeking advice for any sudden changes in their vision. Some treatments being missed can stabilise conditions and keep people from losing their sight unnecessarily.
“The precautions currently put in place by NHS Scotland are there to help patients and medical staff keep safe during the ongoing pandemic. We strongly advise people to attend their appointments or to discuss any concerns they have with hospital eyecare staff.”
RNIB Scotland is highlighting the provisions in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
Some of the precautions include having fewer people attending at one time in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines, reducing the amount of time patients and consultants spend together, and reducing waiting times.
Andrew Ferguson, chair of Eye Health Scotland and a consultant ophthalmologist in NHS Forth Valley, said: “Hospital Eye Services in Scotland are re-starting clinical work, albeit in a limited way due to distancing and safety requirements in order to keep the risk of Covid transmission at very low levels.
“Where possible we are using alternative methods of communicating remotely, but in many cases a face-to face visit to the eye clinic remains essential to avoid sight loss; and in that regard I would empathise the importance of attending if a hospital appointment is offered.
“However, I want to reassure patients that eye units are taking every possible precaution and the risk of catching Covid-19 in an hospital eye clinic is extremely low.”
For more information on what to do if you have concerns about your sight during the coronavirus pandemic, call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit rnib.org.uk/eyehealth.
With social distancing now part of everyday life it is important to highlight that not everyone can maintain the required distance as easily as others.
People who are blind and partially sighted can struggle to know when they are getting closer to someone, or if someone is approaching them. And guide dogs, of course, aren’t trained to help in this regard.
There have been occasions when individuals have been aggressively berated for coming in to too close proximity to others, when the reality is they simply weren’t aware of it.
In such uncertain times, tensions over distancing can rise. But we would ask that if you feel someone seems to be ignoring the restrictions, consider for a moment whether that person, rather than being careless, might not be able to fully see you.
Thousands of people in Scotland are living with a degree of sight loss. Please be aware that some people do need just a little extra thought.
James Adams
Director
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Scotland
