Information, support and services for sight loss.
Sight loss services
Essex Cares Limited
ECL (Essex Cares Limited) delivers services on behalf of Essex County Council for people with sensory impairments living in Essex.
If you have sight loss, hearing loss or combined sight and hearing loss (Deafblind), their service can help you maintain independence and dignity in every aspect of daily life.
They can offer support and advice, including:
- Daily living skills, training and advice to maintain independence in the home
- Communicator Guide and Sighted Guide service
- demonstration and advice on specialist sensory equipment
- lighting and low vision assessments
- rehabilitation and mobility training indoors and outdoors
- environmental assessment and advice on adaptations and equipment
- support with developing communication skills
- advice and signposting to social activities and voluntary groups
You don’t need a referral from your GP or Adult Social Care, you can contact them directly:
Contact Essex Cares Limited (ECL) Sensory Services
Phone
0333 133 262
Textphone
01245 261715
Email
sensoryservices@essexcares.org
SMS
07921 397547
Visit the ECL website for information on:
- Registering a sensory impairment
- Types of sensory impairment: Visual impairment, Hard of hearing or deaf, Dual sensory impairment (Deafblind)
- Equipment
Be My Eyes
Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives for visual assistance through a live video call.
Use your smartphone to get free, instant visual description anytime, day or night. The app also provides a convenient central directory of accessible service and help desks of leading organisations from around the world – making support just a tap away.
Find out more about the service here: Be My Eyes App
Download the app by using the links below:
- For iOS, download on the App Store.
- For Android, download on the Play Store.
- For Windows, download on the Microsoft Store.
Blind and Sight Impaired Society (BASIS)
BASIS work to promote independence and reduce isolation within the community for vision impaired people and their families in South Essex.
Their work is entirely person-centred, once a referral is received they will assess your needs within two weeks and tailor the support they provide accordingly. They can visit your home to review the things you may need such as kitchen aids, lighting and magnification. They can also arrange for you to receive services such as audio book libraries, talking newspapers, befriending and activity groups.
Visit the BASIS website for more information on the below services:
- Befriending Scheme
- Home Visiting Scheme
- Eye Clinic Liaison
- Basildon Resource Centre
- Advice On Equipment
- Computer Training
- Braille Training
- Quarterly Newsletter
BASIS also have a good working relationship with Guide Dogs and RNIB which enables them to offer information and advice about their activities and services. BASIS also frequently co-host events with these organisations to keep you up to date.
You don’t need a referral from your GP or Adult Social Care, you can contact them directly:
- 01268 522817 (Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm)
- admin@basissouthessex.org.uk
- Contact form
Sight loss information and advice
Enhancing Eye Care and Preventing Blindness
Professor Pardhan, an Associate Non-Executive Member at NHS Mid and South Essex, is dedicated to reducing blindness in the region and globally, shares her experiences as well as her top tips for helping residents take care of their eyesight.