Last week saw the opening of the new 'Integrated Sight Support & Resource Hub' with Eye Care Liaison Officer Lesley Hankinson and Sight Matters with special guest Dr Janet Gray MBE officially opening the hub.
The centre, formally the Macmillan Cancer Centre has been transformed into a new hub for people to attend appointments with Lesley and find out about what support is available to people suffering from sight loss along with support from Sight Matters.
Lesley Hankinson Eye Care Liaison Officer said:
'This hub has been designed with people at its heart. It’s a space filled with resources and information to support anyone affected by eye conditions or sight loss — whether they’re looking for advice, reassurance, or practical help.
What makes this hub so important is that it offers something we didn’t have before — a dedicated, private, and welcoming space. It allows us to display equipment like magnifiers, provide easy access to leaflets and booklets, and most importantly, offer a quiet place where people can talk openly and get the support they need.
My role is to provide a person-centred service to people of all ages who are impacted by sight loss. That includes sharing eye health information not just with patients, but also with their families, friends, and carers, because sight loss affects more than just the individual.
I also act as a key link between the hospital, Sight Matters, and wider social and community services. That connection is vital to make sure people across the Island are supported in a joined-up and meaningful way.
A big part of what I do is offering practical advice.
Such as how to administer eye drops and emotional support. I also guide people through the certification and registration process for those who are partially sighted or severely sight impaired, helping them access the support they’re entitled to.
I’m incredibly grateful to the Sight Matters team for their support. They’ve helped provide equipment such as magnifiers and talking clocks, and they also run a Low Vision Clinic that patients can be referred to for specialist assessments.
Looking ahead, we’ll also be running sessions in the hub, alongside Sight Matters, where people can come in, find out more about the services available, and access support directly. We’ll be sharing details of these sessions on social media.
Ultimately, this hub is about making support more accessible, more connected, more personal and ensuring that no one facing sight loss, feels like they’re on their own.'
Catherine Bradley CEO of Sight Matters said:
'The opening of the Integrated Sight Support and Resource Hub in the foyer of Nobles Hospital marks a transformative milestone for sight loss services on the Island, bringing together the expertise of Manx Care and Sight Matters, helping to create a seamless, person-centred pathway for those at the moment they need it most. This 'hub' is a gateway to accessing lifelong support, ensuring no one has to navigate the challenges of sight loss alone and reinforces our commitment to independence, inclusion and the highest standard of care for those facing sight loss.
We are delighted and proud to collaborate on this initiative and thank Manx Care for their support of the 'hub' but particular thanks must go to Lesley Hankinson, Eye Care Liaison Officer for her commitment and passion to making this happen'.
