The community alarm service helps people living in North Lanarkshire who need some extra support to stay in their own homes with the security of knowing that they can call for help in an emergency, such as a fall or an illness, at any time of the day or night.

For more information please visit: www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/adults/community-alarm-service.

Whatever your eye problem your first port of call should be an optometrist (optician). An optometrist is the best person to assess urgent eye problems, check for eye disorders and treat eye conditions. They have the professional training and necessary equipment to assess most eye problems.

Community optometry practices (opticians) have resumed providing routine eye care services in all settings. This includes regular eye examinations and contact lens check-ups.

You can self-present to any community optometrist in Lanarkshire although it is advised that you call first to arrange an appointment to allow the practice to comply with safe distancing regulations. In some cases you can be offered advice by telephone, or you book into a practice to be seen.

All practices are able to manage a wide range of conditions. Some practices will have a prescribing optometrist available allowing for more complex treatments to be offered.

Most optometrists are part of the Lanarkshire Eye-health Network Scheme (LENS). The optometrists who are part of the LENS can offer an appointment and assessment service for any concerns you may have.

For more information please visit: www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/community-optician.

Associated materials

• Low Vision Project– Participating Optometrists

Regular eye tests detect any issues with your vision and if necessary your Optomotrist will refer you to an eye specialist called an Ophthalmologist. Your Ophthamologist  will diagnose your condition and advise of treatments. If your sight loss is at a particular level you may meet the criteria for certification as sight impaired or severely sight impaired. Only your Ophthalmologist in the hospital can determine this. 

For further information, contact a Rehabilitation and Mobility Officer at your local Social Work Office.

Airdrie Sensory Impairment  

Email: AirdrieSensoryImpairment@northlan.gov.uk 

Tel: 01236 856000 

Coatbridge Sensory Impairment  

Email: CoatbridgeSensoryImpairment@northlan.gov.uk 

Tel: 01236 856110 

Cumbernauld Sensory Impairment  

Email: CumbernauldSensoryImpairment@northlan.gov.uk 

Tel: 01236 856170 

Bellshill Sensory Impairment  

Email: BellshillSensoryImpairment@northlan.gov.uk 

Tel: 01698 403520 

Motherwell Sensory Impairment  

Email: MotherwellSensoryImpairment@northlan.gov.uk 

Tel: 01698 274470 

Wishaw Sensory Impairment  

Email: WishawSensoryImpairment@Northlan.gov.uk 

Tel: 01698 274430 

 North Lanarkshire Council have a team of Rehabilitation and Mobility Officers who support people with a sensory impairment. They can provide information and practical advice to enable you to be as independent as possible.

They can be contacted through your local Social Work Office.

Associated materials

• Organisations that help the visually impaired

The NHS Medicines: Care and Review Service is a voluntary service for people with long-term conditions. It's available at all community pharmacies across Scotland. You can only use this service if you've registered with a community pharmacy. The service can help you manage your medicine through your local pharmacist whilst your doctor continues to provide your medical care.

For more information please see attached document. 

Associated materials

• The NHS Medicines Care and Review Service

Many people find that with certain products it is very helpful to try before you buy to be sure that you are getting something that will really help you. There are many centres across the UK which have equipment on display for you to try.

Advice on trying before you buy is also available from www.ageuk.org.uk