A week of news - blindness patients supported

Patients who find out they are going blind are not being offered counselling, shows an RNIB research study released this week.

It is a worrying trend, with just 8 per cent offered support, amid the growing prevalence of eye conditions and an expanding older population.

This is why the organisation has started a petition to ensure the NHS to take on more sight loss advisors, instead of cutting funds.

Fellow charity Action for Blind People has since become involved, vowing to send emails and letters to GPs to raise awareness of the issue.

Meanwhile, optical practices can do their bit not only by signing the petition, but by continuing to offer top-class assistance to their patients with deteriorating sight.