Bailey Pack to help clients access vital support
To keep pace with growing demand for sight loss support along the Fylde Coast, Bailey Pack has been promoted to Low Vision Specialist.
His primary role will be to work with clients seeking help through N-Vision’s sight loss assessment service.
This free service is available to anyone experiencing any form of visual impairment – even temporary conditions such as awaiting cataract surgery for example.
Bailey will create a personalised support package for each client, including free aids, to enable them to become more independent, safe and confident in their daily lives.
He said: “I want to raise awareness on the Fylde Coast that this free help is available; especially as there are now so many no cost aids available to make their lives easier. This includes magnifiers for reading, telescopic products to enhance long-range vision, glasses that make television watching possible and glasses using special lenses to compensate for loss of colour, contrast or glare resistance.
“We can also guide people towards other sources of help, such as affordable products they can buy to improve their daily life, or funding agencies who may help with more expensive equipment such as reading technology.
“At the very least, people come away with new coping strategies and insights to improve their independence. We do a six week follow up but clients can contact us anytime – for as long as they need us – to benefit from our specialist knowledge and support.”
Bailey is in a strong position to advise people on what’s possible with visual impairment as he was born with Aniridia (the absence of an iris) and Nystagmus (a rhythmical, repetitive and involuntary movement of the eyes). That has not stopped him from becoming a keen sportsperson, and Bailey was part of the England squad at the 2024 IBSA Partially Sighted Futsal European Championship in Turkey.
Stephanie Connor is widening the social circle!
Promotion left Bailey’s former position vacant, and N-Vision was delighted to appoint former caregiver and support worker Steph Connor to the post of Activities Co-ordinator at the Low Vision Centre.
Steph is equally ambitious to ensure more local people use the services she heads up. This includes a programme of free activities to boost mental and physical health, and social engagement for the visually impaired.
N-Vision organises a Thursday Social Club at the Low Vision Centre’s Sharples Hall. This costs £20 for the day, including a delicious hot lunch, live music performances, quizzes, bingo and a host of other activities.
She said: “Social isolation is a big issue these days, but especially amongst people with poor vision. Our activities are designed to be highly inclusive, fun and easy to access. Friendships are formed and our clients feel safe, comfortable and welcomed a social club specifically designed for them.”
Like Bailey, Steph lives in Blackpool.
She concluded: “This town is world famous for its entertainment and leisure culture, so we are hoping more local performers, organisations and businesses will join us in bringing light, laughter and enjoyment into the lives of local people with visual impairments!”
To book a low vision assessment, get details of the social events at the Low Vision Centre or offer services to support the weekly social club, please contact N-Vision on 01253 362 696 or email [email protected]
