"Hello. My name is Robert, and I am the Equipment Advisor at SRSB/RSS. I started with SRSB in March 2014 and I have now been with the charity for 9 years, When I started, my job title was Equipment Centre Coordinator, this carried on until the pandemic, and then after the pandemic the job became Equipment Advisor and I now spend a lot of time talking on the phone and making appointments with clients, to discuss equipment and what might help them. The advice I can give can vary enormously in scope and complexity, it could be simple, such as talking about felt pens and appropriate coloured paper to allow the person to read what they have written, or at the other end of the scale we could be talking about applications on smart devices that encompass artificial intelligence and how they can best use it.

"One of the most rewarding parts of my job is when you encourage a newly diagnosed person to realise that sight loss is not the end of the world, it’s the start of a new journey, and it’s one we can take together.

"I work closely with all staff at SRSB/RSS, but especially Sarah, head of the wonderful Community Advice Officer team. A typical day is meeting the people I have made appointments with to discuss their needs and equipment, but also to talk on the phone with clients who ring us directly, and also those who just walk into the building after being seen by the hospital and diagnosed with a sight condition.

On days when we have events in the building I can be found helping to set up, and then talking to the clients who come in to attend the events. This can be one of the best parts of the job as the people who attend regularly are not just clients, but they are friends. I could honestly say that I have never worked anywhere where on a day-to-day basis every day is different. But, it is the most fun I have ever had. And I am truly thankful for the time I’ve been here.”