DBSV - A success story in forming a patient organization for blind and partially sighted people

Purpose To develop a support and service system in form of counseling centers or mobile units to address the needs of the increasing number of partially sighted people, especially those who experience sight loss at a later stage in life, as well as their relatives and formal carers. Methods The situation of support systems in Germany was analyzed. Predominantly partially sighted people were trained and instructed to create a network to other partners, like ophthalmologists, optometrists and rehabilitation specialists. With the support of the organization “Aktion Mensch!” and the “Bernd Mettmann Foundation” pilot projects were created. These new regional centers have been working since the beginning of 2012. Results Meanwhile consultation centers, mobile units or working groups are running in five regions in Germany. The number of consultations is increasing. The centers are establishing a network of different experts, their organizations and other self-help groups and patient organizations. Project workers assist the regional groups of the German Federation of the Blind and Partially Sighted (DBSV) in creating an area-wide structure to support partially sighted people and their relatives. They have published various information material and papers to raise awareness of the issue of visual impairment. Conclusion Patients as experts to support partially sighted people, relatives and formal carers in a network of support centers is a successful way to respond efficiently to the increasing number of partially sighted people. Starting in 2013, therefore the regional projects will be extended nationwide. Our positive experiences suggest that the concept of support centers where patients support patients could be transferred to other countries too.