Building Effective Networks Dr Pauline Campbell Co-ordinator, Scottish Stroke Vision Hearing Network

Background Approximately 70% of people who have had a stroke sustain some kind of visual loss or difficulty. The most common visual problems are: –Visual Field loss (typically loss of one half of the visual scene in both eyes) –Visual Neglect (an inability to pay attention to visual information on one side) –Eye Movement Disorders (loss of the co- ordination between the eyes)

Scottish Stroke Vision & Hearing Network (SSVHN) Collaboration between Stroke and vision & hearing charities Health and social care professionals Researchers Stroke survivors and carers Scottish Government Evolved from a growing concern about the lack of provision of services for those who have vision and hearing problems after stroke

Aims To improve awareness, diagnosis and treatment of visual problems after stroke within Scotland. To support the research needed into effective assessments and treatments.

Our work Increase awareness of vision and hearing problems Improve diagnosis and treatment Enable research

Current initiatives Gathering personal stories of stroke survivors affected by vision and hearing impairment Improving patient information about vision and hearing loss after stroke Raise awareness of our network and secure resources to support our work

Future developments Strengthening the evidence base on vision and hearing loss following stroke Supporting developments in Professional education and CPD on vision and hearing loss following stroke Increasing awareness of post-stroke vision and hearing issues and influencing policy and practice