A Leicestershire woman who is currently writing a book about a visually impaired dragon will be hoping to slay the judges at the RNIB See Differently Awards where she has been nominated in recognition of her role in the development of low vision clinics across the UK over the last 30 years.
Dr Jane Macnaughton, 59, from Melton Mowbray, has been shortlisted in the Eye Care Professional of the Year category. This award acknowledges outstanding health and social care professionals and organisations that demonstrate unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care incorporating both clinical and non-clinical support.
Jane currently works as both a Specialist Optometrist at Leicester Royal Infirmary and a Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University. The NHS low vision service run out of Leicester’s Royal Infirmary is delivered in partnership with Vista -Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s charity for people with sight loss- to support patients to live safe and independent lives. In addition, Jane has played a key role in the development of low vision clinics across the UK. She helped create the first training course for ECLO’s (Eye Care Liaison Officers) and has written well-known textbooks for optometry students. Despite teaching around 80 students a year and recently gaining a PhD in vision rehabilitation, Jane is currently somehow finding time to write a book about a visually impaired dragon.
Jane said it was an encounter with a patient who had just been certified blind that motivated her to get involved in the formative work of linking up with specialists in ongoing support to develop patterns for support of blind and partially sighted people. She explains: “Clutching his paperwork, the young man asked me and the consultant what ‘happens next?’ and we didn’t know. We failed him by not knowing what would happen after he left us.”
The RNIB See Differently Awards will bring together a host of people across the UK and aims to shine a spotlight on the excellent work happening every day across the UK to support people with sight loss. They will recognise and reward individuals and organisations taking positive action to help break down barriers and make the world a better place for blind and partially sighted people.
RNIB CEO Matt Stringer said: “The RNIB See Differently Awards will celebrate those who dedicate their time, passion, and skills to help build an inclusive world for blind and partially sighted people. Congratulations to the shortlisted national finalists, you’re all fantastic with incredibly moving stories and we wish you the best of luck.”
The RNIB See Differently Awards will recognise exceptional individuals and teams across seven categories: Campaigner of the Year, Eye Care Professional of the Year, Best Content Creator of the Year, Team of the Year, Employer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Design for Everyone Award.
The award winners will be announced at a ceremony which will take place at a hotel in Central London on Tuesday 21 May 2024.
