Diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy, her vision deteriorated rapidly despite laser treatment and surgery. By the age of 30, Nathalie had lost almost all her sight. She had to give up her job as a pharmacy technician, surrender her driving licence and move back in with her family.
“It wasn’t just losing my sight – it affected every part of my life,” she says. “I didn’t know where to turn or what help existed.”
That changed when Nathalie’s mum spotted a poster about the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO).
The ECLO became Nathalie’s first lifeline – explaining her diagnosis, helping her understand her registration as Severely Sight Impaired, helping with vital paperwork and connecting her to the right support.
“Consultants and nurses are amazing, but they’re so busy. The ECLO had the time to sit with me, explain things and guide me step by step.”
Through the ECLO, Nathalie was introduced to My Sight Notts, where she learned new skills, rebuilt her confidence and discovered she could live independently again. She attended IT sessions, took part in the Shared Vision course and joined social groups. Nathalie is now studying to become a teacher within the pharmacy field.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the ECLO and My Sight Notts. They gave me hope when I’d lost everything.”