the Forth Valley Sensory Centre newsletter - Falkirk Council

are there to support patients and ensure that the departments run safely
and smoothly.
Interview with Dr Jennifer Gillen
Phyllis Burden has provided the following article having interviewed Dr
Jennifer Gillen about working at the eye clinic in the Sensory Centre.
Jennifer Gillen grew up in Bridge of Allan and decided, at an early age,
that she would be a doctor one day.
Dr Jennifer Gillen is now a general Ophthalmologist with a special
interest in children’s eye problems. She works at both Falkirk and Stirling
Community Hospitals and here, at Forth Valley Sensory Centre, where I
recently talked with her.
During our conversation Dr Gillen told me how valuable the Centre is to
her and her patients.
Children and adults requiring special individual care often find a hospital
environment frightening and unsettling. Under such circumstances
accurate and thorough assessment of eye problems can be stressful and
time consuming for both patients and medical staff. The Sensory Centre
provides a safe, calm place for patients, where their comfort and
individual needs can be catered for and their eye problems addressed
more easily. The comfort and co-operation of the patient is paramount.
As Dr Gillen pointed out, the Sensory Centre is a good example of multidisciplinary
working. Social, education and health services all come
together under one roof. An almost unique situation. Specialist teachers
also visit the clinic and play a very valuable role, supporting children from
infancy all the way through their education.
The facilities and expertise available at the Sensory Centre enable Dr
Gillen and her team to provide accurate and thorough assessment of eye
problems and make an eye clinic appointment a much less daunting
prospect for a great many people.
How lucky are we that Jennifer Gillen achieved her childhood ambition
and my grateful thanks to her for taking time to talk to me.
Dr Gillen asks that all of you, young and old, make time for regular visits
to your optician. It is very important that you do.
Forth Valley Sensory Centre Newsletter - Autumn Edition Page 14