Two Fife-based sensory organisations have come together to enable residents to get their sight and hearing tested under one roof.
seescape, which operates from its base in Kirkcaldy, now has a dedicated and sound proof audiology room which is run by Dunfermline headquartered CluisTROM.
The organisations have previously worked in partnership last year at seescape’s Assistive Technology Roadshows, which saw a host of vision and hearing providers come together to showcase the latest technology to help empower Fife residents.
Every year, seescape interacted over 6,000 times to help people with visual impairments lead a more independent life through technology and a volunteering befriending service.
Carl Hodson, Chief Executive of seescape, said:
“We’re delighted to have a dedicated audiology room on site as this will be of great benefit to a significant number of our patients who are coming to us as a result of a sight impairment or to have an NHS eye test.
“If they require the services of an audiologist, whether it’s to have ear wax removal, or having brand new hearing aids, it’s an exciting step for us to be able to offer more services for local people.”
CluisSTROM, which has a clinic in Dunfermline’s High Street, creates hearing aids, as well as a supply, fitting and repair service, and suction ear wax removal.
Neil McIntosh, Director at CluisTROM, said:
“seescape has such a strong base in Fife so it was a natural fit for us to establish ourselves in Kirkcaldy as well. To be able to cater to people’s sound and vision needs under the same roof makes life easier for those seeking our services.”
seescape is the registered named for Fife Society for the Blind, a charity founded in 1865 to help people with a sight impairment. While practices and technology has changed over the years, our core aim is to make life with sight loss easier and enable people to be as independent as possible.
seescape operates across four key services:
The Sight Support Team has an assessment and rehabilitation service, commissioned by the local authority, involving regular visits to people with a sight impairment to offer emotional support, assess their needs, and offer rehabilitation and support services.
Access Technology offers advice, information and training on aids that include: 9008a range of magnifiers, smart technology and text to speech devices
The Optician offers a unique service including low vision clinics as well as all the latest diagnostic equipment, including driving assessment technology, and is seen as an important early intervention service. They also offer a full range of the latest frames and designer sunglasses to suit all budgets.
Community Engagement offers social groups and befriending services. Volunteers are vital to assist at the groups, offer one to one support to people at home or in the community, as well as supporting admin, optician, sight support and fundraising activities.