AN "UNSUNG hero" from Aberdour who volunteers with the sight loss charity, Seescape, has been commended at a national award ceremony in London.

Judith Barton, 67, is a rehabilitation worker and her role involves helping blind and partially sighted people with independent living and mobility.

She was highly commended for her work at the RNIB See Differently awards in London, in particular for her role in cutting waiting times for vision rehabilitation in Fife by 60 per cent.

Judith said: “I get so much out of volunteering. It has given me a purpose. I always feel pleased when I'm able to do something that they couldn’t do before.

"I am a people person, so I love the chance to be with people and to help them get the most out of life.

“It was a lovely surprise to be nominated and to receive the commendation. I have always felt appreciated by clients, and it was so kind of the Seescape team to put my name forward.”

She has worked in the sector for more than 40 years and worked at Seescape before retiring in 2012, becoming their first dual qualified rehabilitation officer in 1999.

Since returning last year, Judith’s specialist knowledge and expertise means that waiting times for rehab have fallen from three months to a few weeks.

 

Judith has worked in the sector for more than 40 years.Judith has worked in the sector for more than 40 years. (Image: Seescape)

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Judith also volunteers as a Braille teacher and for the Macular Society in Fife, where she organises speakers and activities, and signposting people to make sure they get help.

Lesley Carcary, Seescape chief executive, said: “Rehabilitation workers are very specialised roles, and unfortunately there has been a shortage of trained rehabilitation officers in recent years which has impacted upon capacity across the sector.

“Because of this, Seescape was struggling with high waiting lists list year, and we were delighted when Judith came on board as a volunteer to support our clients with specialist rehabilitation. 

"Judith’s support has made a significant impact upon our waiting lists, improved the quality of our service, and made a huge impact upon the lives of many of our clients by empowering them to live independently.

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“Our clients always tell us that Judith has made a huge difference to their lives and given them back their independence. She is an unsung hero and Seescape and the people of Fife are incredibly lucky to have her."

Seescape supports more than 3,500 people every year in Fife with social opportunities, community-based assessments, home visits, and drop-ins at its visual impairment hub in Glenrothes.