RNIB’s eye clinic liaison officer service awarded quality assurance standard

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB’s) eye clinic liaison officer (ECLO) service has been awarded the Advice Quality Standard (AQS).

The AQS is the only quality standard for organisations working in social welfare and law.

In partnership with the NHS, the RNIB currently employs 124 ECLOs in eye clinics across the UK.

ECLOs offer emotional and practical support to those with sight conditions, both before and after their diagnosis.

They also advise clinical staff about life with sight loss.

To achieve the AQS, the ECLO service was measured against seven areas: access to the service, seamlessness of the service, the running of the organisation, people management, the running of the service, commitment to quality, and meeting of clients’ needs.

The AQS initially lasts for two years. The ECLO service will be audited during that time, in order to ensure that its accreditation can remain in the future.

Cathie Burke, the RNIB’s practice lead for eye care support, said: “RNIB’s ECLO service plays a vital role in supporting thousands of blind and partially sighted people each year, who tell us it is a lifeline to them.

“We’re honoured that the service has been recognised with AQS accreditation. It means patients can [be] rest assured they’re receiving the highest level of care.”

The award also “gives valuable recognition to our ECLOs, who provide life-changing information and support every day,” Burke added.

Lead image: RNIB ECLO, Talia Treen, seen on the left with parent Sukhi McDonald and her daughter Remi, in the ECLO room at Birmingham Children’s Hospital