Disability and leaving work advice

Wilsonwinehouse

Hi guys, 

Wonder if anyone could give me some advice please

I have Diabetic retinopathy in both eyes, i have had 2 surgeries in my left eye which did not work and that eye is now void as such, the right eye has had 4 laser surgeries and has got considerably worse over the past 3 years.

In November i was registered as sight Impaired, i then decided to claim for PIP in January to which i have an assessment next Monday over the phone. 

I have just been back to the hospital last week and my field of vision has got worse and they have now decided i am past the threshold and are now making me severely sight impaired. 

I work full time in tech support and do calls all day as well as virtual assistant calls, my issue is i am now at the point where i can hardly see to read anything, the VA calls especially as a script pops up when a call comes in and i have just 10 seconds to read and answer the call, virtually impossible for me now.

I have worked at this job for almost 11 years now, anyone give some advice on the next steps if i genuinely cannot do it anymore? The best way forward, i have spoken to m employer and they have told me there isnt much that they can actually do, it is what it is. 

Just need to figure out what my options are.

Sorry for the long read

Thanks 

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community I am also registered severely vision impaired 

You could try access to work they may have some tech suggestions to help you or your employer could refer uou to oh for workplace assessment 

There will also be a local council sensory team you can contact 

If worst comes to it and you can no longer work you will be looking at medical dismissal or dismissal on capability or retirement.  Ask your hr dept to discuss your future options or find the policy for the above 

Acas is a good website for work related issues 

JBS2022

Hi @Wilsonwinehouse my mother in law has the same condition, and unfortunately has had to medically retire from her job she also claims PIP and CB ESA. The council usually has a department that can help with sight and hearing issues. All the best.

Wilsonwinehouse

Thanks guys, I have applied to acces to work, I'm just waiting to hear back from them. I am also waiting for a home assessment from the RNIB, just a long waiting list st the moment.

I will carry on as I am and see how it goes as time goes on.. 

Thanks again.

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @Wilsonwinehouse

I'm so sorry to hear your sight is getting worse. I hope access to work and the home assessment get back to you as soon as possible! The Scope website has a page on Advice for Disabled People at work, in case that could end up being useful for you.