Lobbying vs self-help

[Andrew MacLean]

Chris

I used to take refuge in opticians when I had some discomfort. They would help me out with some sterild wetting fluid, and even once gave me a carrying case when my eye wouldn't take the lens back.

In Glasgow they seem pretty well committed to doing exactly as you suggest, whether or not the contact lens wearer is a client. I had just assumed that the same sort of helpfulness would apply in all centres.

Andrew

By the way Chris, you did the right thing posting as and where you did. Gareth and John keep a weather eye on things, and if something looks like developing into another string they will separate it off. Maybe the campaign group could work on some "best practice" guidelines for optometrists in the high street.

When it gets going.

Andrew

[Louise Pembroke]

Least helpful place I experienced - my GP surgery, most helpful - Boots, when I had to rapidly lean over their counter and get the lens out quickly. I've also been known to grab a persons hand and just flick it out when in pain! Badge would explain without words yes..

[GarethB]

Boots do a travel kit for hard lenses and a small bottle of saline. I carry these with a small mirror so if ever get grit in my eyes or wobley lens everything is to hand no need for opticians, toilets or tap water

Taking a leaf out ot the Hitch Hikers Guide To The Galaxie books keepinga small twoel is handy too as many toilets do not have plugs for the plug holes and are far from clean. Towel is pergect to lay across the sink so if you drop a lens it is caught on the towel rather than boucing on the porcelein to chip or disappear down the plug hole!

I can ofetn be seen with my small rucksack and all it has isa small amount of emergency lens supplies and a towel.

[Anne B]

Gareth , you could have a partially sighted badge on your rucksack, would be very handy if you were having problems with your lenses.

Anne

[Louise Pembroke]

I'm having difficulty in locating a badge making company which can produce 2 inch badges and with a luminous or bright yellow background. Am still researching, but if anyone has any suggestions please post links here.
I wanted to get just a few prototypes made up and then send one to the committee, RNIB

[Sweet]

Louise this is all being discussed at the committee meeting next Saturday. Hopefully we can start to work on this soon. Any ideas would be great!!

Sweet X x X

[Louise Pembroke]

Made some paper prototypes and photocopied the local impairment team badge for comparison, will send one to the committee

[Sweet]

Ok send it soon before then!!!

Sweet X x X

[Louise Pembroke]

I'll put it in the post to the PO Box tommorow
xx

[GarethB]

Louise,

Do not worry about production costs. I know loads of places that can make them, have been asking my car club regalia contacts

Unfortunatly I will not be at the next comitee meeting due to unforseen circumstances

I have sent the committe my thoughts and asked they look at this thread first so I am sure progress will be made in my absence.

Will make every effort to attend the next committee meeting as the AGM is looming!