UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

hi my friend is having real problems with his work still and i not sure where he stand with some things he his waiting on his operation he has Keratoconus in both eye 1 is worse than the other he works for a big supermarket chain and what i was mainly wondering is is there anyone who can step in on his behalf to help with work as they have had all the infomation both printed of here and what i was sent in the post and they still are acting like he is making it up and it s not as bad to deal with when it is because he can barely see even with his contacts and i am worrying that the extra stress is going to make it worse
any thing any1 can help with will be a very big help

(Edited December 9, 2008 to remove the name of the employer)

catoeva

The problem that people with keratoconus have is that we do not look disabled. You say that your friend's employer already has the employers leaflet and has taken no action.

Perhaps a visit to the Citizens Advice Bureau would be a help. Take the leaflets from our site and ask for advice.

All the best

Andrew

Another source of help would be Action for Blind People or RNIB. Both have specialist advisers for employment issues and should be able to help. I know several people on this forum have found AFBP useful. I don't know whereabouts in the country you are, but they have offices in several big cities.
Anne

i do feel very sorry you. i have KC in both eyes a year ago having a corneal transplant and now waiting for intacts.my employer has done everything possible to make life more easy ......days can be a struggle but with support and a few ajustments life can be a lot easier...

pferry8

Welcome to the forum, and thank you for a very positive post.

All the best

Andrew

cato4eva:
Sorry to hear about the problems your friend is having at work.
The people who should be helping him with problems with his employer is his trade union, if he is a member.
If not he might like to join one quickly!
For a major supermarket chain, the obvious union would be USDAW - the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers. I'm sure you can find them on google.
If he is a specialist, that might be different (for example, the IT department from one supermarket chain are part of Unite union). Maybe there is a staff noticeboard with union notices on at work?
Note that, these days, a member is entitled to be represented in matters such as grievance or disciplinary matters by their union officer even if there is not a formal union recognition agreement (they will be able to advise onthe details of this; it's rather a long time now since I was a union rep!)
From what you say, it sounds like they might advise onraising a grievance.
Does your friend have a letter, etc, from his consultant confirming his eyesight, lens problems, etc? - that is something that might be (or become) necessary.
Good luck with it.
Rosemary