A “kind and gentle” health worker has been awarded for helping patientsdiagnosed with sight loss who have “entered a state of shock”.

Sam Kalla, an eye clinic liaison officer (ELCO) at Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone has won a Barts Health Heroes Award.

Mr Kalla, who is an RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) ECLO, helps patients understand the impact of their diagnosis and offers them emotional and practical support.

He also works to raise awareness of the impact of eye conditions to medical teams in hospital, for example if a patient’s sight loss is a result of a stroke.

Mr Kalla said: “I feel proud that my work and service has been recognised. I feel privileged to be able to highlight the value and importance of the ECLO Service.

“It takes a few seconds to be diagnosed with sight loss, but a lifetime putting it right.

“I hope my award will encourage more hospital eye clinics to invest in the ECLO service so that across the country we can ensure individuals who experience sight loss are provided with the highest quality of support and care throughout their journey.”

Consultant at Whipps, Cordelia McKechnie, who nominated Sam for the award, said Mr Kalla is always “happy to help anyone at any time” and is loved and appreciated by patients.

She said: “Patients who have been diagnosed with sight loss enter a state of bereavement and shock. Sam shows the upmost respect as he supports them through the process of certifying them as partially sighted or blind.  

“Sam is a kind and gentle person who always puts the patient at the centre.”

She added: “He will do anything at the drop of a hat and deserves to be thoroughly commended for the work he does.”

Carolyn Chamberlain, RNIB’s UK Lead for Eye Clinic Support Services, said Mr Kalla is a “great example” of how hard ECLOs work and the difference they can make to patients’ lives.

She said: “We’re delighted that Sam has won this award. ECLOs deal daily with patients and family members who are anxious or distressed as a result of sight loss.”