How We Help

If you have a child with anophthalmia, microphthalmia or coloboma, or if you think your child may have any of these conditions, please contact us. We are here to help.

Our Medical Social Workers

We employ qualified medical social workers who understand these conditions and the many problems that can arise from them. They act as enablers and have close contact with other professionals and government agencies throughout the country and can put you in touch with the necessary people. They are available whenever necessary to respond to requests for help and to address problems as they arise.

A Visit From The Trust

One of our medical social workers will visit you and your child at home to discuss the needs and problems of your child and your family. Our social worker will:

-         give advice on available treatments for your child and how these can be obtained
-         co-ordinate the work and support which can be provided by paediatricians, ophthalmologists, ocular plastic surgeons, social workers and teachers
-         give counselling and advice to you and your family
-         identify whether any statutory grants or other funds are available to you and help you to apply for these. In the absence of such funding, they can consider funding from the Trust.

Financial Assistance

Where families are in financial difficulties and no statutory assistance or other funding is available we are able, in appropriate circumstances, to offer some financial assistance. In the past we have provided monies to cover special costs such as travelling expenses and subsistence costs for hospital appointments, holidays for the family, children’s clothing, specialised educational equipment including bicycles and computers, respite care and independence training.

Babies

Anophthalmia, microphthalmia and coloboma sometimes occur with other mental and physical disabilities and our social workers can put you in touch with specialist ophthalmologists, paediatricians and any other appropriate medical practitioner.

Toddlers

We can suggest specialist equipment for the home and help to identify suitable play groups and toys.

School Children

We can discuss the educational options, liaise with teachers, education authorities and special schools and help you to make the best arrangements for the education of your child.

Teenagers

We can help to identify the special skills which your child needs to develop as he or she matures and help you find the ways to achieve these.

Young People

We offer specialist short-term residential training for young people who have left school which will help them to learn to live independently and develop their skills.

Respite Care For Parents
We know how exhausting it can be to care for an anophthalmic or microphthalmic child within the family and the enormous burden this can impose, not just on the parents, but on brothers and sisters also. We can provide special carers to look after your child for short periods, if necessary on a regular basis, to give you a few vital hours for other activities and for other children, and, if necessary, we may be able to provide grants to pay for these carers or for short-term residential care where appropriate.

Family Days and Holidays

The Trust organises a family day each year which enables families to meet each other and have a day out with their children. These days have always been very successful and much appreciated.

We also organise a week’s holiday at an hotel in Lancashire where families can spend time together and have a therapeutic break from their usual routines.