Information and Resources – Vision Foundation
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Text: Information and resources. ID: Khafsa sat at desk using access technology

Welcome to our Information and Resources page. Here you will find information about sight loss, an A-Z of eye conditions, practical support for people living with or facing sight loss, employment tips, accessible social activities, and more!

If you have a question about anything on this page, or something we’ve not included, please send an email to hello@visionfoundation.org.uk or give us a call on 020 7620 2066.

Information about sight loss

A-Z of eye conditions

There are dozens of eye conditions – some very common and some much more rare. Almost 2 million people in the UK are living with sight loss. Here you can find out more about some of the conditions the Fight for Sight / Vision Foundation researchers have been working on.

Explore the A-Z of eye conditions

 

Facts about sight loss

Did you know that every day 250 people start to lose their sight in the UK?

Find out more about the impact of sight loss with our simple factsheet.

 

Tips for maintaining good eye health

Are you thinking eye smart? Sight is the sense people fear losing the most, yet many of us don’t know how to look after our eyes – it’s time to change that!

Read our top tips for looking after your eye health.

 

Anatomy of the eye

Do you know what lies behind your eyes? There are 11 unique features in just one eyeball.

Find out what they are in this handy guide.

 

Practical support

Support Groups

There are charities and support groups dedicated to supporting people with specific eye conditions and diseases. They provide opportunities for people to share information and experiences. Find a group by searching the RNIB Sightline Directory.

 

Telephone Support

Losing sight can be a difficult and upsetting experience. Emotional support is available for individuals and their families. The RNIB runs a telephone helpline, which is available from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays: Call 0303 123 9999.

Alternatively you can email at helpline@rnib.org.uk.

 

Money and benefits

If you’re blind or partially sighted, there are benefits and assistance available to make life easier. Check what benefits, concessions and grants you could be entitled to on the RNIB website. They also have tips on how to manage your finances independently.

Action for Blind People provides information on a range of independent living issues for people with sight loss. These include managing money, employment, accessing benefits, dealing with housing issues, travel and shopping.

 

Technology

We believe technology has the potential to support the visually impaired community in all aspects of life. From navigation to education, unlocking opportunities to enjoying social activities – find the tech that works for you.

Watch our webinar session on ‘building your tech skills’

 

For help getting set up on devices and practical tips on using technology, check out RNIB’s support page. Or find some assistive technology training via one of these organisations.

To purchase mobility aids, talking devices, accessible games and more, visit RNIB’s online shop. If you’re local to London, Edinburgh or Belfast, you can book an appointment at an RNIB ‘Products for Life’ store for in-person support.

 

Insight Radio

Insight Radio is a radio station for blind and partially sighted people. It broadcasts all day every day online at insightradio.co.uk and can also be accessed via the television on Freeview channel 730.

Employment Support

Are you an individual with sight loss looking for employment support? Or do you know someone who is? We’ve put together the following resources to help empower and inform you on your journey to employment.

In 2022, we hosted the See My Skills conference for visually impaired young people exploring all things education and employment. You can catch up on some of the informative sessions below. Check out the full event footage here.

 

Writing your CV and getting ready for your first interview

 

Navigating Access to Work

Disability placement schemes

 

Organisations who can offer practical support:

  • RNIB advice line: 0303 123 9999
  • Search RNIB’s Sightline Directory for organisations that help blind or partially sighted people in the UK. Once you’ve entered an initial search you can use filters to refine your choices.
  • Sight Advice FAQs about finding work cover everything from CV-writing tips to information about virtual interviews.
  • Blind in Business was founded in 1992 by 3 blind graduates, with good degrees who initially found it difficult to gain work. This service is all about helping other blind and partially sighted graduates to compete equally with sighted candidates for good jobs, by providing help, support and training, and by removing barriers to success.
  • Look UK supports 11–29-year-olds with education and career choices. Find out more about their peer mentoring for visually impaired (VI) young people here.
  • The Thomas Pocklington Trust has an Employment Service that supports blind and partially sighted people wanting to start or restart their careers.

 

If you’re keen to learn more about the challenges faced by blind and partially sighted people looking for employment, please do read our See My Skills Report.

Accessible activities

Fight for Sight / Vision Foundation funds projects that aim to inform, empower, and include the visually impaired community. For over 100 years, we have been opening up society through a range of accessible, engaging projects for blind and partially sighted people of all ages.

Here a few of our brilliant Funded Partners’ projects, and some other great activities to get stuck into…

 

Reading

 

Sporting activities

  • Metro Blind Sport: A London-based charity, creating a range of fun, accessible sport and physical activity opportunities for blind and partially sighted individuals of all ages and abilities.
  • Track and field events have been practised by blind and partially sighted people for many years and there are established activities at many sports clubs, schools and colleges for people with sight loss. For further information please visit England athletics, Scottish athletics, Welsh athletics or Northern Ireland athletics websites.
  • Blind Cricket is played with a size three football containing ball bearings. The game boasts a friendly and sociable atmosphere with each club offering something unique to the game.

 

Dance

  • Dance Dosti a free digital platform of multi-lingual dance sessions for blind and partially sighted people, bringing fun and fitness together.

 

Theatre

 

Cinema

  • Cinemas like Odeon offer Audio Description for some of their films, which include extra narration. You can use their lightweight headphones to hear the narrator describe the action, scene changes and actors’ body language, along with the dialogue. Explore their accessible performances.

 

Angling and Fishing

  • Modifications to equipment and special aids are available to overcome most difficulties encountered by anglers with sight loss, many of whom are members of local angling clubs. Angling Trust has eight regional officers for disabled people. You can find out more on the Angling Trust website.

 

Canoeing

  • The British Canoe Union (BCU) supports the promotion of canoeing for all people with disabilities. Its coaching scheme offers training in methods for introducing blind people to canoeing; teaching techniques can be introduced in a swimming pool. For further information please visit the British Canoe Union website.

 

Bowls

 

There are plenty of fantastic sight loss organisations that host events for visually impaired members of their community. From coffee mornings to coach trips, connect with your local organisation via RNIB’s Sightline Directory.

Mental health support for young people

We have a partnership with Shout, to provide a free and confidential text support to blind and partially sighted people in distress.

To use the service, simply text VIP to 85258 to start a conversation with a trained Shout Volunteer who can support you with issues including anxiety, stress, loneliness, or depression. The volunteer will text you back and forth to take your next steps towards feeling better. You only need to share what you feel comfortable with, and the service is confidential.

If your life is at imminent risk, call the emergency services on 999.

Find out more information about the service here.