New simulation glasses help NHS staff see the world through patients’ eyes

Staff at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust are gaining powerful new insight into the daily challenges faced by people with sight loss, thanks to a set of simulation glasses funded by kind donations to Bright.

The glasses accurately mimic a range of common visual conditions, including macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, unilateral retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy and retinitis pigmentosa. By experiencing these sight changes first-hand, staff can better understand the impact on patients’ independence, safety and wellbeing.

Elaine Francis, Care for Older People Lead at Northumbria, said: “We can give these out at a meeting and instantly bring patient experience to the forefront. It brings the person and their experiences to any environment.”

Unlike formal training sessions, the simulation glasses can be used quickly and easily in everyday settings – helping staff across wards, clinics and community services keep person‑centred care at the heart of every interaction.

Support to Bright Charity ensures that colleagues have practical tools to deepen their understanding of patients’ lived experiences and continue delivering compassionate, inclusive care.