Welcome to the Eyeless Trust services page
The role of the Family Support Worker
The Eyeless Trust Family Support Workers are the backbone of the Trust and the means by which services are delivered to more than 200 families throughout the UK. It is important that each child affected is referred to the nearest specialist medical team as soon as possible to get the right treatment and help, and the Family Support Worker can advise on this.
Another part of the challenge for these children and their families is that the child can suffer from other disabilities, and the impact within families can be extensive, especially on siblings.
The Family Support Worker works for and alongside the family by:
- Spending time with each family according to their needs and ensuring that they have all the services that they need in coming to terms with the emotional, financial and practical issues associated with the birth of a disabled child.
- Steering families through bureaucracy, including sourcing grants to cover essential costs.
- Facilitating training for the older children in independent living and life skills and in preparing them for further education and employment.
- Arranging holidays and activities for personal development and leisure.
Some families receive regular visits from their Family Support Worker while others are content just to know that there is a friendly, knowledgeable voice at the end of the phone.
Holidays
Holidays are as important for families affected by anophthalmia, 
microphthalmia and coloboma, as they are for the youngsters themselves. These conditions mean that those affected can’t always tell the difference between night and day so sleep deprivation can put family relationships under extreme stress. Siblings can often feel ignored or unimportant, so a holiday can be very beneficial.
Holidays are therapeutic for all concerned. With carers on hand to share the burden and the fun, the families can enjoy their time with other families and spend quality time with the healthy siblings of children with a disability.
Grants & Statutory Benefits
The Eyeless Trust offers modest grants for families and children with anophthalmia, microphthalmia or coloboma.
These are arranged through The Family Support Worker, and each year a large number of families benefit for a wide range of needs.
Grants can be used for practical help, recreational activities and holidays.
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