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About WCB.
Wales Council of the Blind is the umbrella agency representing vision impairment within Wales. We work to campaign, lobby and support the improvement of services for people with sight loss. [Read more...]
Latest news.
Welsh Senedd report finds 'delays in treatment putting thousands at risk of deteriorating sight'
A report by Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliament has raised concerns that more than 80,000 patients in Wales at greatest risk of permanent sight loss are waiting too long for sight-saving treatment.
You can read the full report, 'Inquiry into ophthalmology services in Wales' here, and there is an overview of the findings on the Senedd website.
The story was the subject of a report by BBC Wales, including a personal story of a patient from Bridgend, which you can read here.
Bus services in Wales - Feedback needed
As part of the work Wales Council for the Blind will be doing on the Sight Loss Council, we would like to have an understanding of which bus companies are used in the different areas of Wales.
This information will also be helpful for bigger project we will be working on with Thomas Pocklington Trust. Please can you let Anita know of which bus companies you are using and whether these services are frequent and supportive to your travel needs. You can email or phone her on anita@wcb-ccd.org.uk or 07929280518.
Sight Loss Council for Wales - More representatives needed
Are you blind or partially sighted and want to change things for the better? Wales Council of the Blind is launching a new Sight Loss Council group in Wales and recruiting new members. Sight Loss Councils (SLC Cymru), funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, are regional groups led by blind and partially sighted people. Together, we work with organisations to ensure what they do is accessible and inclusive. You will work with policy makers and local service providers to improve access for blind and partially sighted people in your local community. You will also get the opportunity to come together with other blind and partially sighted people in your area, have a voice and develop new skills.
We are currently recruiting for representatives to cover the following regions:
- Aneurin Bevan (two representatives required)
- Betsi Cadwaladr (one representative required)
- Powys (one representative required)
You can read some volunteer's stories here, and the new SLC volunteers in Wales explain why the role is important to them:
- Alasdaire who likes to be known as Al said: “Being part of the Sight Loss Council Cymru as a volunteer, a representative for The Cwm Taf area is important to me because, together we can make a difference. Supporting each other with shared experiences and encouraging individuals to make change. It is a positive step towards supporting people with sight loss to build confidence while raising awareness within their daily lives, remaining members of their local community and enabling people to make these changes. It is important that they know they are not alone. Ensuring that we have a voice that educates society, allowing others to gain a greater understanding of the struggles that are faced by the visually impaired community. I believe, little changes can make a big difference, much like a ripple effect. teamwork, really does make the dream work”.
- Uzma, said: "I am looking forward to joining the sight loss council as I want to explore what it means to break down the barriers that people with sight loss face every day. I am looking forward to working as a team to support people to gain their independence and have fun at the same time".
- SLC volunteer, Paul, said: "The reason I wanted to join the sight loss council is to provide a voice for myself and the people of Swansea Bay region to feed back to WCB, the Welsh Government and other relevant organisations issues that are of importance so that they can be addressed in a timely manner. After reading through the articles of association for WCB I felt that they were aligned with what I was passionate about. I wanted to encompass all of the themes within this. I hope to make a difference for people who are sight impaired within my region and through Wales as well as learn from the different situations to use in other areas."
- SLC volunteer, Teresa, said: "I am excited to be part of a project that will improve services for people with sight loss."
- SLC volunteer, Tony, said: "I wish to join the WSLC to assist others in my community with sight loss to live a better quality of life which they deserve."
- SLC volunteer, Judi, said: "My mission is to ensure that everyone’s voice from our community is heard and responded to. I don’t believe there is any such thing as a ‘hard to reach group’, only ones that need a little bit more effort to engage with. Hearing from these groups is especially important in my quest."
- SLC volunteer, Tim, said: "The Sight Loss Council is a fantastic new initiative for blind and partially sighted people in Wales. There are many different conditions effecting many different people across Wales. The Sight Loss Council can be the voice for all those people and can make a real difference in people's lives."
- SLC volunteer, Nick, said: "I want to join the Sight Loss Council to use my knowledge and life experience to help other blind and partially sighted people lead better lives."
An application form is available here. If you wish to find out more please contact Anita, Wales Council of the Blind's Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager on either 029 20473954 or 07929 280518.
Seasonal support for people with sight and hearing loss from Deafblind UK
Deafblind UK's Winter Wellness programme returns this winter, offering extra support to keep people healthy and connected through the winter. The service is available to anyone affected by sight and hearing loss, and their families and carers and will be available until February 28th 2026.
Services include extended helpline hours, extra holiday support, telephone and video groups, Christmas Day and Boxing Day calls, and winter befrienders. You can find out more about the service and how to apply on the Deafblind UK website.