To commemorate World Sight Day 2025, the UK & Ireland Society of Ophthalmic Practitioners (UKISOP) hosted a dynamic online learning session titled 'Supporting Adults and Children with Sight Loss' on October 9 2025.
The event brought together over sixty professionals from ophthalmology, optometry, rehabilitation and patient support, focusing on the complete eyecare support pathway and the importance of holistic, multidisciplinary care for individuals with visual impairment.
Multidisciplinary collaboration at the forefront
Liz Tomlin, UKISOP Chair, hosted the session and highlighted the critical role of collaboration across clinical and community services. Attendees learned how effective communication between these sectors ensures continuity of care and enhances patient wellbeing.
Expert presentations
The online seminar featured three key presentations:
- Cathie Burke, RNIB Practice Lead, Eye Care Services, opened with an overview of the Eye Care Support Pathway and the pivotal role of Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs) in bridging hospital-based care and community resources. A memorable takeaway was the shift from asking a patient, “What’s the matter with you?” (clinical) to “What matters to you?” (holistic).
- Judith Potts, Founder of Esme’s Umbrella, shared insights on Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS), emphasising its impact on both adults and children. Potts underscored the importance of recognising visual hallucinations as a normal response to sight loss, describing CBS as a 'theatre of the mind' rather than a mental health issue.
- Alex Clarke, Senior Policy, Public Affairs Campaigns Manager at Guide Dogs for the Blind, discussed children’s eyecare pathways and the comprehensive support services offered by Guide Dogs UK. Clarke highlighted the need for non-clinical guidance and support not just for children, but also for their parents and carers.
Practical guidance and key takeaways
Participants received practical advice on identifying CBS, coordinating ECLO referrals and advocating for the needs of children and families affected by sight loss. The session concluded with attendees sharing experiences and reflecting on how to apply these insights in real-world practice.
Key takeaways included:
- A strengthened understanding of the complete eyecare support pathway
- Tools to recognise and manage CBS across age groups
- Clear direction on collaborating with ECLOs and Guide Dogs UK for holistic, patient-centred care.
The UKISOP World Sight Day online seminar underscored the society’s ongoing commitment to education, collaboration, and improving the quality of life for people with visual impairment of all ages.
The Next UKISOP Meeting will be this week, during the UKISCRS Annual Congress in London, on Thursday 13 November 2025. Register for the November 2025 Meeting. Still some places available: Registration can be made here. Have a look at the exciting programme and workshops on offer.
Resources linked to the event
- Eye Care Support Pathway Report: https://media.rnib.org.uk/documents/APDF-IN230702_Eye_Care_Support_Pathway_Report.pdf
- Esme Umbrella website for Charles Bonnet Syndrome: https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk/
- The Eye Care Support Pathway for Children and Young People with a Vision Impairment - England Report: https://gd-prod.azureedge.net/-/media/project/guidedogs/guidedogsdotorg/files/services-we- provide/education-support/guide-dogs---cyp-eye-care-support-pathway_accessible.pdf
