Your Guide to Our Services |
Resource CentreThe Resource Centre offers a wide range of vital aids and equipment for sale to visually impaired people including magnifiers, CCTV Systems, scales and levellers, in fact anything that can add to the quality of life and lead to better independence. Additionally the Resource Centre offers impartial and objective advice and information on new technology and developments in equipment and services including accessible websites, audio books and suppliers of specialist goods.
The Resource Centre also organises regular visits to groups and clubs using a vehicle that we lease for this task to enable us to come to you, and for you to be able to buy directly, although you may still order or seek advice by telephone, post or email.
Resource Days, which are mini exhibitions at which equipment such as readers and magnifiers will be on show and available to try are regularly organised around the county. Suppliers, makers of equipment and other agencies join with us to enable visually impaired people to actually try out equipment locally, without having to travel long distances or make tiring trips, before making a decision on whether or not to purchase.
These events are widely advertised but for further information consult our diary of events or call us direct.
Branch SupportOur Branch Activities and Training Co-ordinator develops and organises a programme of training courses, activity days and residential breaks in partnership with other agencies and organisations working with the visually impaired.
Our Branch Support Liaison Officer provides regular backup to the team, and is on hand to take calls and answer queries and provide advice to branches, groups and clubs.
Outreach TeamOur newly formed team (incorporating the previous Fasttrack, Advice and Eye Clinic workers) has come together to create an integrated service to visually impaired people.
We also have access to the services of a professional counsellor, herself registered blind, to offer the team access to extra support for people who ask for it or may be felt to need it.
The system is extremely simple to access: Any visually impaired person, family member, colleague, agency or friend can referral directly, using our referral form or dialling the Outreach Team direct can be referred to us.
Referrals are received by our Outreach Officer who will then contact each new person to check details and discuss any questions, need or give any advice they may have.
If appropriate and agreed, a visit will be arranged for the Outreach Visiting Officer (previously Fasttrack) to go out and offer practical advice, help with benefit and other claims and information about HACB and other services available to visually impaired people. Where requested practical support with claims, visual impairment registration or specialist matters may also be provided and if necessary, a referral can also be made to the counsellor for personal, confidential, help with any emotional or other needs the visually impaired person may have.
We also have an integrated support service based at Southampton Eye Clinic where over 40,000 people attend the Clinic each year. We also work constantly with the Consultant Ophthalmologist Medical Teams and partner organisations in the county to extend our presence and advice to other hospital Eye Clinics
Administrative and Finance TeamHACB has a small team, based at head office, running the overall administration of the organisation, managing finances and investments, and generally ensuring that best use is made of the charity's resources.
In addition the team also edits and produces our in house magazine, Focus, and organising staff and volunteer training and the various events and conferences run by the organisation.
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 Visual Impairment Services
Your Guide to Our Services
Sight Loss and Everyday Life: A Practical Guide
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