Our latest newsletter, which has been sent out to over 200 Islanders with sight impairment is now available to be listened to online.
The Newsletter, which contains local news, news about the goings on and events at EYECAN, features on the art and craft and the importance of a white cane and of course, Celebrations and Farewells is available at the following link
www.eyecan.je/news/audio-newsletters
Some fantastic work has been entered into the Jersey Eisteddfod by artists from EYECAN. The members, who are all sight impaired, have each picked up an award for their work.
Whilst most members of the public are very considerate towards islanders with sight loss we hope the following points will help clear up any misunderstandings:
A brilliant video made by the RNIB explains the white cane and why many sight impaired people use them.
EYECAN has joined JustGiving allowing fundraising and donations to the charity to be made online.
As well as fundraising and donating using the online portal, JustGiving allows members of the public to set up ‘in memory of’ pages to remember the nearest and dearest while centralising funds to be raised.
Donations can be made as a one off or monthly using JustGiving’s online portal and is very easy to set up. To get started, simply click on the button below:
Remember a loved one by setting up a JustGiving page by clicking the below button:
To start fundraising for EYECAN, click the below button
The final installment of 2017’s Audio Newsletter has been published on EYECAN’s website and sent to members on CD.
The audio newsletter which is recorded, edited and produced in house is a quarterly release with extracts of the news, articles from the team at Westlea, talks from members and a quiz.
The final Audio Newsletter is available at http://www.eyecan.je/news/audio-newsletters/
Nystagmus is a complex eye condition that is characterised by involuntary movements of the eye. The eyes appear to wobble or flicker from side to side or up and down. Nystagmus is caused by abnormal functioning of the part of the brain which regulates eye movement and positioning.
Congenital nystagmus
This type of nystagmus is noticed in very young children, usually soon after they’re born or in the first years of life. It can be caused by a problem with the eye itself or by a problem with the visual pathway from the eye to the brain.
Acquired nystagmus
This type of nystagmus develops later, generally in adults. Acquired nystagmus is often a sign of another condition like stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain tumour or the effect of a drug or head injury.
Diagnosing nystagmus can be the first sign of a serious disorder of the eye or brain. It’s really important that when nystagmus first develops, it’s checked by an ophthalmologist (hospital eye doctor) or neurologist as soon as possible.
Investigations will depend on the type of nystagmus you have, your age and what your doctor thinks the underlying cause is.
It’s very likely that an eye clinic will monitor the condition and this might mean seeing a number of different professionals.
The actual movement of the eyes in nystagmus can’t be cured but some things may help with managing your nystagmus.
Read more about Nystagmus in the RNIB’s Understanding Nystagmus booklet here
RNIB produced a short video where one of their members, Phil, described how his nystagmus affects his sight and how he manages with his eye condition day to day:
Video from Nystagmus Network:
Sources of information:
Members of EYECAN attended a fantastic night of Classics from Vienna performed by the Jersey Chamber Orchestra at the Jersey Opera House on Saturday 7th October.
The music which included pieces from Beethoven and Mozart were thoroughly enjoyed and masterfully played and conducted. An exciting programme of popular classics from Vienna. With Mozart’s famous Horn Concerto performed by soloist Martin Owen, and Beethoven´s Pastoral Symphony this concert was not to be missed.
Our members had a brilliant night and both EYECAN and the members who attended would like to thank Music In Action for the complementary tickets.
Today, 12th October 2017, is World Sight Day an annual day of awareness to focus attention on sight impairment.
This year’s message for World Sight Day is ‘Make Vision Count’. Not only is this a call to educate others about the importance of eye examinations but a call for you to get your eyes tested.
When was the last time you got your eyes tested?
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes don’t usually hurt when something is wrong. A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes that can pick up early signs of eye conditions before you’re aware of any symptoms – many of which can be treated if found early enough.
Optometrists recommend that most people should get their eyes tested every two years. However, in some circumstances, they may recommend more frequent sight tests; for example, if you:
It is a lesser known fact that 50% of sight impairment is avoidable by having a regular eye health check.
Why is an eye test important?
Regular eye examinations are important as it is also a health check for your eyes. Sight tests can pick up on early signs of eye conditions before you can be aware of the symptoms. Some of these include; Diabetes, Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma.
Eye examinations can enable the optician to make sure you are getting maximum clarity from your spectacles. Your eye test will show if you need to get glasses for the first time or a change of prescription in your current glasses.
How much should an eye test cost me?
An eye test ranges from £20 – £45 in Jersey, unfortunately free eye tests are not offered as part of a health scheme.
How often should I have an eye test?
We recommend that you have your eye examination at least every two years. We may advise more regular eye examinations if you have any eye conditions or have a family history of eye conditions.
If I suffer from diabetes but have had no change in vision do I still have my eyes tested?
Yes. You should make an appointment to have your eyes tested as frequently as your optician recommends. If you have diabetes you are susceptible to certain eye conditions which your optician will test for and to make sure your eyes are healthy.
Do I need a eye test even if I don’t wear contact lens or glasses?
Even if you don’t need glasses or contact lenses we still recommend regular eye exams to check your eye health. Regular eye examinations are important as they can pick up on early signs of eye conditions before you can be aware of the symptoms. Some of these include; Diabetes, Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma.
When should my child have their first eye test?
All children, in Jersey, are offered an eye test in their reception class. If parents have any concerns before then, they are to contact their health visitor or GP for a referral to the orthoptic department.
What are the different types of eye defects that could affect me?
Cataract is a very common eye condition and are cloudy patches in the lens that make vision blurry. Over time the cloudy patches become bigger and the patients sight will be more affected as less light is able to pass through the lens.
Glaucoma occurs when the drainage tubes in the eye become slightly blocked. This prevents eye fluid from draining properly. When the fluid cannot drain properly pressure builds causing raised intraocular pressure. This can damage the optic nerve and the nerve fibres from the retina and will damage affect your peripheral vision without you knowing.
Age-Related Macula Degeneration is a painless eye condition that leads to the gradual loss of central vision. Age-Related Macula Degeneration is a painless eye condition that leads to the gradual loss of central vision.
Diabetes can affect your sight because blood vessels in the retina can become blocked or leaky, or can grow haphazardly.This damages the retina and stops it from working.
What should I do if my vision becomes worse and I am not due an eye test?
If you think there has been a sudden change in your vision or you are experiencing any visual distortions, such as tunnel vision or flashing lights please ring your GP or one of our practices as soon as possible. It may not be anything to worry about but should be investigated just incase.
Can I wear contact lenses?
New technology in contact lenses means there is now a wide variety of lenses available. You can now get contact lenses for a variety of prescription requirements ranging from high powered prescriptions to astigmatism. There are even contact lenses that correct both distance and near vision in one lens just like varifocals.
This Guide Dogs Week people all over the UK are Moving it for Money to help ensure Guide Dogs can help as many blind and partially sighted people as possible.
Facts about guide dogs:
In the video below, which is audio described, Steve talks about how he led an ordinary life, until one night the lights went out. He’d lived with glaucoma for many years, but after an operation he woke up and his world was totally black. Steve speaks about how becoming a guide dog owner helped get the old Steve back.
For more information about Guide Dog week visit https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/guidedogsweek#.Wds16miPKUm
An art project being completed by two sight impaired artists at Wednesday’s activity day centre is almost complete.
After months of work, Sarah Strudwick and Diana Bowen’s colourful and summery mosaic picture of the front of Westlea Centre’s building, viewed through an open window is nearing completion and really taking shape.
The 100cm x 70cm piece, which has been worked on weekly will be displayed in the centre and is a great example of the high quality artwork that is being produced by clients during the Wednesday Activity Day Centre.
If you or someone you know is interested in EYECAN’s day centres please do get in touch with us on 864689 or by email info@eyecan.je
