Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
World Bight Day to focus on blindness
NHS Tayside is supporting World Sight Day today by hosting a stand at Ninewells Hospital providing information to people experiencing problems with their eyesight.
World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. This year’s theme is Make Vision Count which draws attention to the fact that 80% of the world’s population that are blind are avoidably so.
The key message behind this year’s theme is to encourage members of the public to think of their own eye health but also to be aware of those around them, providing them with warm clothing, sleeping bags and blankets.”
A 40-year-old man, who gave his name as George, is one of those who says he’s facing a winter on the streets.
“Sleeping on the street is no life — it’s barely existing and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone,” he said.
“Sometimes it gets so bad you even consider committing a crime to get put back in prison. At least there you are kept warm and fed — but I know it’s not the way to go.
“I’m desperately trying to stay out of bother and am still hopeful that one day I will get my life back.”
The charity had been running the same van to deliver supplies since 2003, but thanks to a grant from Asda at Kirkton, a new vehicle has been bought — which Gareth says will make a “huge difference” to his work.
In the meantime, George and others like him are trying to survive as best they can.
George said he would rather stay on the streets than in a hostel, adding: including children, older people and those living with health conditions that can affect eyesight, such as diabetes.
Lorna Donnelly, NHS Tayside vision and hearing support officer, said: “NHS Tayside is promoting World Sight Day in partnership with local organisations.
“Today’s event highlights the many organisations and sources of support that are available to offer support to people having problems with their eyesight.”
Visitors, staff and patients at the hospital are invited to stop by the stand on the concourse between 10am-4pm when they can find out information on the local services available as well as the various “They are difficult places to be when you are trying hard, as I am, to stay away from the temptations of drink and drugs.
“In hostels these are pushed at you all the time. There’s also violence and fights and people try to steal what little belongings you have.
“I keep promising myself that things will change soon.”
Kevin MacPherson, 33, is also facing a winter sleeping rough.
He told the Tele: “I’m currently busking to try to make some money because I don’t want to beg and I don’t want to turn to crime.”
Fellow rough sleeper John Davies, 42, said he turned to drugs 10 years ago when his mum died, leading to a £200-a-week heroin habit.
He said: “I have my regulars who give me money because they know I don’t want to turn to crime.
“However, my circumstances mean that I will be sleeping rough this winter.” Our charities and organisations that provide support for people who are experiencing problems with their eyesight.
The information stand will be hosted by representatives from the Royal National Institute of Blind People, My Guide Ambassador and The Macular Society, who will be joined by staff from NHS Tayside’s clinical governance and risk management team.
Throughout the day there will be also be an opportunity to try wearing a pair of simulator glasses which mimic different types of visual impairment and hear about the various aids and how technology can support people with visual impairment.