LARGS Probus Club received a fascinating insight into the assistance provided to blind veterans by a national charity.

Sight loss can take away so much for veterans, but Anne Garry, an independent living worker with Sight Scotland Veterans, the operating name of Scottish War Blinded, was keen to advise members of Largs Probus Club that it doesn’t have to be that way.

Anne drew attention to the many ways that this charitable organisation can restore independence and rebuild the lives of veterans with a vast array of gadgets and other aids.

Support provided may be helping them learn the new skills needed for adapting to sight loss and instilling confidence to manage every day tasks with one-to-one support at home and out and about.

Speaking on the work of their expert rehabilitation team, Anne said their first step will be to go into the person’s home to assess their needs with a view to equipping the veteran with the skills and tools to thrive and live the life they want, from managing in the kitchen to reading and writing.

The assessment would look at lighting, glare management, colour contrasting and audio; the latter covering talking books, clocks, scales, wrist watches and microwaves, etc.

The vast array of assistive equipment and technology was demonstrated by Anne who also advised that the charity help veterans choose the best possible devices to match their lifestyle and provide this specialist equipment free of charge – first ensuring that it is right for each person and their goals.

Sight Scotland Veterans work with fellow charities, local authorities, health boards, social care and medical professionals to support veterans in their communities with their specialist teams. They cover a niche area and value publicity to draw their services to the attention of veterans living in Largs and the surrounding area.

Any veteran who has vision loss, no matter the cause, are encouraged to contact them on 0800 035 6409.

Largs Probus Club will next meet in the Willowbank Hotel on Wednesday, October 9 at 10am when Bill Fitzpatrick will speak on the Treaty of Versailles. New members are always welcomed by contacting the club through largsprobus.org.uk