Sylw - the bulletin of Wales Council of the Blind.

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WCB News.

Sight Loss Council Cymru - Betsi Cadwaladr Local Action Group meeting

The next meeting of the Betsi Cadwaladr Local Action Group (LAG) will be on Friday 11th December in Llandudno. [Full story...]

Award for 'Eight Voices in Darkness' installation

The installation 'Eight Voices in Darkness', created by Wales Council of the Blind's Richard Bowers, in partnership with Dr Claire Nollett and Sight Life, was a winner in the recent Health and Care Research Wales National Awards 2026. [Full story...]

Annual Wales Eyecare Conference 2026 - Programme now available

The Annual Wales Eyecare Conference is now fully booked, but you can still apply and will be added to a waiting list. The event will be held on Tuesday 10th November from 10 am to 4 pm at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. [Full story...]

Remembering Alun Griffith, Sight Loss Council Cymru representative for the Betsi Cadwaladr region.

We are saddened to share the news that Alan Griffiths, Sight Loss Council Cymru representative for the Betsi Cadwaladr region, passed away at home last Tuesday evening. [Full story...]

'Eight Voices in Darkness' installation by WCB's very own Richard Bowers

WCB's own Richard Bowers is featured in a report on involving people with lived experience in arts-based dissemination. [Full story...]

Commonwealth Games Bronze medal for Wales bowlers

Many congratulations to Wales' Para-mixed bowls B2-B3 pair Julie Thomas and Steffan James, aided by directors Jamie Jones and John Wilson, winners of the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. [Full story...]

Sight Loss Councils Conference 2026 - Small Changes, Big Impact

Members of the newly launched Wales Sight Loss Council were delighted to join the Sight Loss Councils Conference for the first time to celebrate achievement, share ideas and explore how lived experience continues to influence services, challenge perceptions and improve accessibility. [Full story...]

Sight Loss Council Cymru information

The Sight Loss Council's website now includes information about their group covering Wales - Sight Loss Council Cymru. [Full story...]

Consultations and Lobbying.

Powys Teaching Health Board Consultation - 'Better Together'

Powys Teaching Health Board is consulting on potential options for the future of community-based NHS care including urgent care and diagnostics, and adult physical and mental health services. [Full story...]

Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro: Help shape the future of travel across the region

Transport for Wales is consulting on its plans for more frequent trains, potential new stations and new rail connections across Swansea and West Wales. The Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro proposals could give passengers more choice about when they travel and bring rail services closer to more communities, making it easier to reach jobs, education, healthcare and leisure without relying on a car. [Full story...]

Welsh-language bus announcements survey

RNIB Cymru is looking at the accessibility of Welsh-language audio announcements on buses, and would like to hear from blind and partially sighted people who speak or understand Welsh, whether a little or a lot. [Full story...]

Have your say on accessibility at Museums, Galleries and Heritage Sites

VocalEyes is running a survey on accessibility at museums, galleries, heritage sites and events and is asking for your views. [Full story...]

Survey for guide dog users - access refusals

The Guide Dogs organisation is asking guide dog users to complete a short survey about any access refusals they have experienced in the past 12 months. [Full story...]

Welsh Ambulance Consultation on Proposed Changes to Patient Transport Assessments

Welsh Ambulances is proposing changes to the way that requests for non-emergency transport to medical appointments are assessed and is asking for feedback. [Full story...]

RNIB Survey on Smart Glasses

Recently, there’s been a lot of discussion about the rise of AI smart glasses, which can benefit people with sight loss, but have also attracted controversy due to misuse. Now RNIB is asking people with sight loss (whether you’ve tried smart glasses or not), to give their views in a short survey. [Full story...]

British Blind Sport survey

British Blind Sport (BBS) is launching a new research project and want to hear about the sport and physical activity preferences of blind and partially sighted people across the UK, particularly those who are currently mildly active/inactive and not engaged with the organisation. [Full story...]

Chance to help research into designing apps to help disabled people make journeys

The University of Southampton is doing research on how to best design apps that help disabled people plan and make their everyday journeys. [Full story...]

RNIB Cymru survey - Vision Rehabilitation services.

RNIB Cymru would like to hear about your experiences of Vision Rehabilitation services. [Full story...]

Disability Sport Wales survey

Disability Sport Wales is running a survey is to help them understand what current provision there is for vision impaired people, and what provision is wanted and needed by V I individuals and groups within Wales. [Full story...]

Study to explore visual imagination in individuals with sight impairment.

Invitation to participate in research on visual imagination and sight impairment. [Full story...]

Reports and Publications.

Autumn and Winter Tips from Henshaws

Now that the clocks have just gone back, days are getting shorter and we're more likely to experience colder and wetter weather, Henshaws has some top tips for autumn and winter if you have sight loss. The resource covers tips for both around the home and out and about. [Full story...]

Behçet’s UK publishes Annual Report 2026

Behçet’s UK has published its Annual Report for the year ending August 2026. [Full story...]

New report from RNIB: 'The Cost of Living and Sight Loss: Financial Pressures, Independence and Wellbeing in 2026'

A new report from RNIB, based on survey responses and interviews with vision impaired people from across the four UK nations, looks at how the continuing increase in the cost of living is affecting them. [Full story...]

Disability Wales launches the Access to Politics Toolkit,

Disability Wales has produced the Access to Politics Toolkit, a practical resource for disabled people interested in entering and navigating political life. [Full story...]

Diet advice for people with Age-related Macular Degeneration

The Macular Society has published advice on diets and supplements for people with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). [Full story...]

Contact Cymru updates information resources

Contact Cymru has published new factsheets and webinar recordings to help families in Wales find clear information on benefits, social care, education and planning for their child’s future. [Full story...]

Back to School - Advice from Nystagmus Network

As the new academic year starts, Nystagmus Network reminds parents that it has a selection of downloadable guides packed with information on how best to support your child as they navigate school. [Full story...]

Autumn 2026 issue of Retina UK's newsletter available

The Autumn 2026 issue of 'Look Forward', the newsletter of Retina UK, is available. [Full story...]

Marfan Trust Summer 2026 Newsletter available

The Summer 2026 edition of Marfan Matters, the newsletter of the Marfan Trust, is available. [Full story...]

Back-to-school checklist for families with disabled children

As the new school year starts, Contact has published a useful checklist for families with disabled children, covering everything from education support plans to transport, medical needs and sensory support. [Full story...]

Wales is Leading the UK on Access and Equity in Eye Care

The latest General Optical Council (GOC) Public Perceptions Survey provides independent evidence that Wales is leading the UK on access and equity in eye care. The findings suggest people in Wales are more likely to access eye care services, more likely to seek help first from an optometrist when they experience an eye problem, and more likely to benefit from equitable access to care than elsewhere in the UK. [Full story...]

Latest CHECT newsletter available

The Spring/Summer 2026 edition of 'InFocus', the newsletter of The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) has been published. [Full story...]

Practical tips for travellers from LOOK

One of Look's mentors has produced some practical tips for people with vision impairment who are going on holiday. [Full story...]

Summer edition of Blind Veterans UK's 's newsletter available

The Summer 2026 edition of 'Debrief', the newsletter of Blind Veterans, is now available on their website. [Full story...]

Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) finds it is “not fit for purpose”

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has published an Interim Report as part of the review into PIP carried out by Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability. The report has revealed deep-rooted problems in the design and delivery of PIP with the assessment described as dehumanising and stressful. [Full story...]

New Government funding to increase the number of specialist interpreters available to support deafblind people across the UK

The UK Government has announced plans to significantly increase the number of interpreters for Deafblind people through the funding of interpreter competency sessions. [Full story...]

Latest edition of Guide Dogs' 'Forward' magazine available.

The Sring/Summer 2026 edition of Forward, the Guide Dogs’ magazine for supporters, clients and the general public has been published. [Full story...]

New guide for parents - 'How Nystagmus is Diagnosed'

Nystagmus Network has published a new guide for parents - 'How Nystagmus is Diagnosed'. It covers all the tests a small child may undergo, explaining what they are for and includes information on support services available for families. [Full story...]

Choosing the right cane tip - Advice from Henshaws

If you're a long cane user who struggles to use your cane on certain surfaces, a different tip may be the solution. A new resource on Henshaws website highlights some of the different cane tips, which differ in size, shape and materials. This makes each tip suitable on different surfaces and in different scenarios, so that your cane can meet your needs. [Full story...]

Managing Eye Drops - Advice from Glaucoma UK

In a blog on the Glaucoma UK website, a Consultant Nurse shares practical advice that can help people use drops effectively and comfortably. [Full story...]

All Party Parliamentary Group on Eye Health and Vision Impairment publishes progress report

One year on from the publication 'Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives', the UK's All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Eye Health and Vision Impairment has published a new report assessing progress on the employment of vision impaired people and setting out priorities for the year ahead. [Full story...]

College of Optometrists publishes manifesto for Wales - 'Securing sustainable eye care'

In advance of the elections to the Welsh Senedd on 7th May, the College of Optometrists has published its manifesto for Wales - 'Securing sustainable eye care'. [Full story...]

Can you trust AI for health information? Advice from Glaucoma UK

When searching for information on the internet, the first response is increasingly produced by Artificial Intelligence (AI). A blog from Glaucoma has advice for people who go online for health advice about how to ensure that the information is accurate and reliable. [Full story...]

Vision Partnership publishes report on the the role of a Vision Rehabilitation Assistant (VRA)

The Vision Partnership, a group of sight loss charities including RNIB and Guide Dogs, has published the results of research into the role of Vision Rehabilitation Assistants, who are being used increasingly to help fill gaps in support. [Full story...]

RNIB's Platform for Change report highlights the barriers faced by blind people when travelling by rail

A new report from RNIB describes the barriers faced by blind and partially sighted people when trying to use the UK's rail services and calls for change. [Full story...]

Disability Wales launches 'Access to Politics: Charter for Political Parties'

Disability Wales has launched 'Access to Politics: Charter for Political Parties', a practical roadmap for political parties to support the meaningful participation, representation and influence of disabled people in political life across Wales. [Full story...]

Winter edition of MACS Focus Magazine available

The latest (Winter 2025) edition of 'Focus', the quarterly magazine of Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia & Coloboma Support (MACS) is available. [Full story...]

New booklet from BBS UK: 'How Can We Help'

A new booklet from BBS UK titled 'How Can We Help?' is a simple guide to the support that the organisation offers for people affected by Bardet Biedl syndrome. [Full story...]

RNIB Campaigning highlights of 2025

RNIB has produced a summary of their campaigning highlights in 2025. [Full story...]

Welsh Government publishes Disabled People’s Rights Plan 2025 to 2035

The Welsh Government has published its Disabled People's Rights Plan, a 10-year commitment to making sure disabled people can participate fully and equally in every part of life in Wales. [Full story...]

Building inclusive employment at Sight Cymru

How Sight Cymru Champions Inclusive Employment for People with Sight Loss. [Full story...]

Results of Retina UK's Sight Loss Survey 2025 published

Retina UK has published the results of its Sight Loss Survey 2025, which give an insight into the continuing challenges faced by people living with inherited sight loss. [Full story...]

Disability Wales publishes 'A Year in Review: Chief Executive’s report 2024/25'

Disability Wales has published a report on the activities and achievements that shaped the 2024/25 financial year. [Full story...]

Access.

Audio Described Tour at St Fagans National Museum of History - 'Winter at St Fagans'

St Fagans National Museum of History has organised another audio described tour for blind and visually impaired visitors on Thursday 10th December. [Full story...]

Audio described tours at the National Museum in Cardiff

The National Museum of Wales in Cardiff has scheduled two free audio described tours for blind and visually impaired visitors. [Full story...]

Letter from Santa in accessible formats

Once again this Christmas, RNIB is arranging for blind and partially sighted children to receive a letter from Santa in their preferred choice of accessible formats and in English or Welsh. [Full story...]

Audio described performances of 'The Sleeping Beauty' by Ballet Cymru

Ballet Cymru is celebrating its 40th anniversary with their new production of The Sleeping Beauty and will be visiting various locations in Wales during November. All performances will include pre-recorded audio description in Welsh and English. [Full story...]

Christmas Food magazines in accessible formats

For the fourth year, Marks and Spencer has worked with RNIB to produce braille and audio versions of their ‘Food to Order’ magazine, helping blind and partially sighted people browse festive favourites and plan their Christmas menu independently. Tesco's 'Festive Food to order is also available in braille. [Full story...]

Audio Described Christmas Shows 2026

Theatres across Wales will be putting on Christmas shows over the festive season, and some audio described performances scheduled. [Full story...]

Sky Sports introduces new accessibility features on Premier League Football matches for vision impaired audiences

Live subtitles and descriptive audio commentary have been incorporated to front-channel Premier League matches viewed on Sky Sports. [Full story...]

Guide Dogs turns 20-Week ultrasound scans into sonograms for parents with sight loss

Guide Dogs has launched First Hello, a pilot transforming traditional 20-week printed ultrasound scans into tactile sonograms enabling vision impaired parents, and other family members and friends with sight loss the opportunity to experience ultrasound scans. [Full story...]

Calibre Audio adds 150 new children's audiobooks

Calibre Audio has received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to add 150 new children's audiobooks to their collection. [Full story...]

RNIB Newsagent - Accessible newspapers and magazines

RNIB's Newsagent service provides the main daily and weekend newspapers and a wide range of magazines RNIB's Newsagent service provides the major daily and weekend papers, a wide range of magazines and some specialist publications in a range of accessible formats. [Full story...]

Now We're Cooking: 100 accessible recipes from Tesco

Tesco has produced a book of 100 popular recipes which have been re-written with shorter steps, precise detail and timings, plus new accessible cooking tips. [Full story...]

Audio described performances at theatres across Wales

Some theatres in Wales now have a section on their website where you can find details of all forthcoming audio described (and other accessible) performances in one place. [Full story...]

Virtual reality headset 'life-changing' for visually impaired Cardiff City football fan

A report on the BBC Wales News website describes how the loan of a virtual reality (VR) headset enabled a young Cardiff City FC fan to follow the game himself, rather that relying on a commentary from his parents. [Full story...]

Transport for Wales - Confidence to Travel Scheme

The Transport for Wales 'Confidence to Travel' Initiative, which is funded by Welsh Government, is offering groups/organisations representing people who face barriers to rail travel, (for example as a result of disability), the opportunity to boost their confidence in using the rail network, therefore improving their overall health and wellbeing. [Full story...]

Road safety improvements in Cardiff City Centre

A major project to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists in Cardiff city centre starts on Monday 23rd February. It follows detailed discussions between Guide Dogs Cymru, RNIB Cymru and Cardiff Council. These reflected the safety concerns of local blind and partially sighted people, particularly around the creation of bus stop boarders in the Cardiff Castle and Kingsway areas, which meant that passengers had to cross a live cycle lane to get on or leave the bus. These were installed as a temporary measure in 2020. [Full story...]

The Thomas Pocklington Trust and Guide Dogs join forces to improve vision impairment awareness training for bus and coach drivers

Guide Dogs and Thomas Pocklington Trust are joining forces to strengthen and expand free vision impairment awareness training for bus and coach drivers across the UK. [Full story...]

Accessible reading for children

2026 is the UK's National Year of Reading, and the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) has written a blog with some useful information about the benefits of reading, with information about of the key services available to help children with a vision impairment and their families access books in ways that work for them. [Full story...]

Events.

Patient Information Day: The genetics of Marfan and Loeys-Dietz Syndromes

The Marfan Trust is holding an online patient information day on Saturday 14th November. [Full story...]

Online event for parents - New College Worcester GCSE Options Evening 2026

New College Worcester's GCSE Options Evening is an opportunity for parents of students with sight loss in Years 7, 8 and 9 to learn more about every aspect of GCSEs at the College, including both the residential and academic provision. [Full story...]

North Wales Society for the Blind sets up new group in Caernarfon area.

Following an initial session on 3rd November, North Wales Society for the Blind has set up a new social group for people living with sight loss in the Caernarfon area. [Full story...]

'Adults with Albinism' online meetings in November

The Albinism Fellowship has scheduled two online sessions for adults with the condition in November. [Full story...]

VICTA Parent Workshop- 'Transition for Young People with Visual Impairment / Multi-Sensory Impairment (MSI)'

VICTA's next Parent Workshop will be on Wednesday 18th November. The subject is 'Transition for Young People with Visual Impairment / Multi-Sensory Impairment (MSI)'. [Full story...]

Contact Cymru Stronger Futures Progamme: Information Event Wrexham

Contact Cymru is running an event in Wrexham on Thursday 19th November, where parent/carers with a disabled child can find out about the support available to them through the organisation's 'Stronger Futures' programme. [Full story...]

Contact Cymru 'Stronger Futures' event in Rhyl

Contact Cymru is running an event in Rhyl on 16th November, where parent/carers with a disabled child can find out about the support available to them through the organisation's 'Stronger Futures' programme. [Full story...]

Retina UK Young Adults Peer Support Group

Retina UK's Young Adults Peer Support Group provides a welcoming, safe and friendly opportunity for young adults with inherited sight loss aged 18 to 30 to meet up to share experiences, tips and information. [Full story...]

RNIB UK-wide Telephone Courses for people with sight loss and their families

RNIB runs telephone courses for a people with sight loss and their families across the UK, covering a variety of topics. [Full story...]

Nystagmus Network virtual support networks

Nystagmus Network's three support groups (for parents of children with nystagmus, and for adults living with acquired or congenital nystagmus) will meet together for a Christmas Quiz at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 9th December, via Zoom. [Full story...]

Exhibition of art, crafts as well as audio books at Bangor library

There is an exhibition of work by member of North Wales Society for the Blind's Art and Craft Club on display at Bangor Library. Visitors to the exhibition will also have the chance to ask about the Society's Welsh-language audio books service, GWRANDO, available at the library. [Full story...]

Open Day at Royal National College for the Blind

There's an Open Day at Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) in Hereford on Friday 27th November 2026, giving prospective students and their families the opportunity to find out about study at this specialist residential college of further education for young people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Virtual Monthly Chats for adults with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome

BBS UK leads virtual monthly chats for adults with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, a rare, genetic disorder, which affects approximately 1 in 100,000 babies born. [Full story...]

Blind Baseball Cymru sessions

Blind Baseball Cymru is running sessions in Cardiff, Swansea and Carmarthen in the next few weeks. [Full story...]

Retina UK Webinar: Ask the Expert: Dr Roly Megaw

Retina UK is hosting another webinar on Thursday 3rd December and the title is 'Ask the Expert: Dr Roly Megaw'. [Full story...]

Sight Cymru Gardening Club seeks new members

Sight Cymru invites people with sight loss who enjoy gardening to join a friendly monthly telephone group. [Full story...]

Autumn Fun Day at New College Worcester

New College Worcester is holding an Autumn Fun Day for vision impaired children aged up to 14 years and their families on Saturday 21st November. [Full story...]

Insport Series event in Haverfordwest

An Insport Series event has been scheduled in Haverfordwest on Friday 20th November, giving disabled young people and adults the opportunity to try a range of accessible sports. [Full story...]

Retina UK Peer Support Group - 'Talking Books'

The next meeting of Retina UK's Peer Support Group for audio book lovers, 'Talking Books', will be on Wednesday 2nd December. [Full story...]

Aniridia Network Conference and AGM on 28th November

The Aniridia Network holds its Conference and AGM on 28th November (online). [Full story...]

Retina UK's Men's Peer Support Group meetings

The next meeting of Retina UK's Men's Peer Support Group will be on Thursday 12th November 2026. [Full story...]

Changes to Macular Society Groups

There have been some changes to the support groups run by the Macular Society across Wales, and some of them have closed. [Full story...]

New group for vision impaired people living on Ynys Môn

North Wales Society for the Blind has launched a new Sight Support Group on Ynys Môn. [Full story...]

Retina UK's South Wales Local Peer Support Group meeting with speaker from Wales Council of the Blind

The next meeting of Retina UK's South Wales Support Group will be held online on 10th November at 7pm. [Full story...]

'Ask the Doctor' session for parents of children with albinism

The Albinism Fellowship is hosting an 'Ask the Doctor' session for parents and caregivers of children with albinism aged 16 and under on Tuesday 24th November. [Full story...]

Sight Life Live Well Expo in Cardiff

On Friday 13 November, Sight Life is hosting another Live Well Expo at St David’s Shopping Centre, Cardiff, bringing together a wide range of local businesses and organisations all under one roof to support healthier, more independent living. [Full story...]

RSBC Connecting Families Online Support Sessions - bringing parents and carers together

Connecting Families is a series of online group sessions organised by the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) which are designed to bring together parents and carers of children and young people with vision impairments. [Full story...]

West Wales Vipers Goalball Club - Training Sessions

West Wales Vipers Goalball Club is running training sessions in Carmarthen on Saturday 10th October and Saturday 14th November. [Full story...]

Falls Awareness Week 2026

Monday 21st September is the start of Falls Awareness Week 2026 in Wales, when Age Cymru, Care & Repair Cymru and Age Connects Wales remind people that falls are not an inevitable part of ageing, and give advice on how they can be avoided. [Full story...]

Retina UK 'Talking Home and Garden' Peer Support Group

The next meeting of Retina UK's 'Talking Home and Garden' Peer Support Group will be on Tuesday 3rd November. [Full story...]

Inclusive Ten Pin Bowling Competition for Primary ALN Pupils

The Panathlon Foundation is inviting primary schools to take part in an inclusive Ten Pin Bowling Competition for children on the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) register. [Full story...]

Accessibility Powys Drop-in Sessions

Accessibility Powys is running some drop-in sessions for local advice and support with any disability, and help with your technology. [Full story...]

Professionals' Open Day at Royal National College for the Blind

There's a free Professionals' Open Day at Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) in Hereford on Thursday 3rd December for anyone who works with a visually impaired young person. [Full story...]

Retina UK peer support group - 'Talking Travel'

The next meeting of Retina UK's peer support group 'Talking Travel' is on Tuesday 6th October. [Full story...]

Event for education professionals at New College Worcester

New College Worcester is holding a free, online outreach event for education professionals on 18th November - 'Practical Advice for Supporting Vision Impaired Students in Exams'. [Full story...]

Stargardt's Connected Fitness Sessions

Stargardt's Connected is running a series of Zoom exercise sessions with Shreya Mehta, a qualified personal trainer who is also living with Stargardt’s. [Full story...]

North Wales Goalball sessions in Bangor and in Wrexham

North Wales Goalball Club have two sessions coming up, in Bangor and in Wrexham. [Full story...]

Llanfairfechan Visionaires

Vision Support's Penmaenmawr Visionaires group has moved to Llanfairfechan Town Hall and has been renamed as Llanfairfechan Visionaires. [Full story...]

EyeBelive Eyecan - Programme of events

EyeBelieve Eyecan (EBEC), the fundraising support group for children and young people with visual impairment in Carmarthenshire, has a programe of events planned for the coming months. [Full story...]

Vika's Shine Squad - Autumn sessions

Vika's Shine Squad, New College's Worcester's online youth club for young people with sight loss aged 9 to 15 years old, has published its programme of sessions for the autumn term. [Full story...]

Free wellbeing events in Powys this autumn

Three wellbeing events are being held in Powys this autumn. [Full story...]

Sight Cymru Groups for Ethnic Minority Sight Impaired People and Carers

Sight Cymru runs Sightlife Newport, a welcoming and supportive group for people from minority groups and their carers in the Newport area, and is starting a similar group in Cardiff. [Full story...]

Behçet’s UK - Wales Support Group Meetings

Behcet's UK runs regular online Support Group Meetings for people affected by the condition in Wales. [Full story...]

Retina UK Interest Focused Peer Support Group - ‘Talking’ Creative Arts

The next meeting of Retina UK's 'Talking' Creative Arts' Peer Support Group will be on Thursday 10th September. [Full story...]

RNIB Training for education professionals supporting learners with vision impairment

RNIB provides a range of online professional development training for those working with a child or young person with vision impairment, and details of events for 2026 are available. [Full story...]

Vision Support Social Groups (in person)

Vision Support runs a range of social groups that meet in person in North Wales. [Full story...]

RNIB UK-wide 'Living Well with Sight Loss' telephone and online courses.

RNIB has scheduled further presentations of its 'Living Well with Sight Loss' course. The courses are open to people with sight loss across the UK. [Full story...]

Digital Glaucoma Support Group meetings

Glaucoma UK has scheduled more online support group meetings. [Full story...]

Llandrindod Wells Stroke Café - Change of venue

The Stroke Café in Llandrindod Wells has moved to a new location and would love to welcome you there. [Full story...]

Sight Cymru Social Support Groups

Here is the current list of social support groups that are run by Sight Cymru. [Full story...]

VI Tennis and Bowls with Sight Cymru

In addition to their range of social groups, Sight Cymru organises vision impaired tennis and bowls sessions in Newport. [Full story...]

Stargardt’s Connected 2026 Conference

The 2026 conference of Stargardt’s Connected will be held on Saturday 21st November from 10am -5:00pm. You can now register to attend online or in-person (in central London). [Full story...]

Vision Support's Social Circle taking a break

Vision Support’s Social Circle meetings are going to be taking a break due to low numbers. [Full story...]

Blind Ambition monthly Zoom sessions and WhatsApp groups

Blind Ambition runs a range of monthly Zoom sessions and WhatsApp groups for blind and partially sighted people to provide a supportive network where your voice is valued and your experiences matter. [Full story...]

Cardiff Vision Impaired Rugby is welcoming new players to join their friendly and inclusive team

New players are warmly invited to join the friendly and inclusive Cardiff Vision Impaired Rugby team. [Full story...]

Bridgevis activities include two new groups

Bridgevis (Bridgend & District VI Society) runs a range of activities and events for people with sight loss in the area, and has recently set up a new Evening Group and Book Club. [Full story...]

LOOK Parent Support Group Chat Session

Join LOOK for their next Parent Support Group chat, a relaxed and friendly space for parents and carers to come together and talk openly. [Full story...]

Sixth Form Open Day at New College Worcester

New College Worcester (NCW) is holding a free Sixth Form Open Day on Saturday 3rd October. [Full story...]

Bridgend Macular Group - change of venue

The Macular Society's Bridgend group now meets at St John Ambulance Training Centre. [Full story...]

Touchwood VI Bowling Club near Wrexham

Touchwood is a Crown Green Bowling club for vision impaired people near Wrexham, with helpers and professional coaches available to provide assistance. [Full story...]

Vision Support launches new group - Llangollen Visionaires

Vision Support's new group, Llangollen Visionaires, is a relaxed and informal space for anyone with a vision impairment. It's an opportunity to enjoy a hot drink and enjoy a friendly chat in a supportive, light-hearted environment where everyone truly understands and “just gets it.” [Full story...]

Radnorshire Association for the Blind to start holding a monthly social group

Radnorshire Association for the Blind (RAB) is to start holding a monthly social group, which will meet in Llandrindod Wells. [Full story...]

Change of venue for Sight Cymru's Blackwood Club

Sight Cymru's Blackwood Club now meets in Tir Y Berth Village Hall, Horne Street, Tir y Berth, Hengoed, Caerphilly, CF82 8AJ. [Full story...]

Update on activities at North Wales Society for the Blind

There have been some change to activities run by North Wales Society for the Blind (NWSB). [Full story...]

Short online sessions for health and social care professionals from RNIB

RNIB runs a programme of short online sessions for health and social care professionals working with people who have a vision impairment. [Full story...]

Deafblind UK Job Club

Deafblind UK's online Job Club meets fortnightly (on Fridays), to give support and advice to anyone with sight and hearing loss who is looking to find employment. [Full story...]

'My Macular and Me' webinars

The Macular Society runs a monthly webinar, giving people affected by the condition and those working with them the chance to find out more about macular conditions from experts. [Full story...]

Thomas Pocklington Trust 'Let's Talk Jobs' workshops

Thomas Pocklington Trust Employment Team is running monthly online 'Let's Talk Jobs' workshops for blind and partially sighted people who are seeking employment or a volunteering role. [Full story...]

Royal Society for Blind Children 'Moving on up Group: Transitioning to Secondary School'

The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC)'s Moving on up Group is for young people who are in Year 6 and who want to share their thoughts and chat with others who will be moving to Year 7 in September 2026. The group meets monthly, via Zoom. [Full story...]

Deafblind UK fortnightly Tech Support Surgery

Deafblind UK runs fortnightly Zoom sessions for on-the-spot tech support for people with dual sensory loss. [Full story...]

Treorchy Sight Loss Group

The Macular Society's group in the Rhondda has been transferred to Sight Life, and is now called the Treorchy Sight Loss Group. [Full story...]

Sight Life activities in Cardiff, Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot and RCT

Sight Life runs a wide range of activities, in person and via the telephone, for people with sight loss in Cardiff, Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot and Rhondda Cynon Taf. [Full story...]

Aberystwyth and District VI Club

Aberystwyth and District VI Club meets on the first Monday of the month. [Full story...]

Technology.

Guide to magnifiers from Henshaws

A new resource from Henshaws gives an overview of optical magnifiers and video magnifiers, and also outlines how you can use your smartphone as a magnifier. [Full story...]

Guide Dogs 'Tech Selector'

Guide Dogs 'Tech Selector' is a resource to help you identify the right mainstream and assistive tech for you. [Full story...]

World first gene therapy treats Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS)

An eleven-year-old girl from London has become the first NHS patient to receive a revolutionary new treatment for Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS), a progressive form of severe blindness. [Full story...]

New Tech Factsheets from Deafblind UK

Deafblind UK has a new range of factsheets on many aspects of technology. [Full story...]

Sharon’s Shortcuts – How to Use a PC without the Mouse

Sharon's Shortcuts is a free educational resource for anyone who loves to use keyboard shortcuts, whether out of choice or necessity, particularly people who use screen readers, such as JAWS, who have to rely on accessing everything on a computer with the keyboard. [Full story...]

Henshaws guide to Meta glasses

The Henshaws website includes a new guide to Meta Glasses, AI-powered smart glasses that have become very popular amongst people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Pioneering treatment saves sight in patients with rare eye condition

BBC News is reporting that experts at Moorfields Eye Hospital have developed an eye injection that has saved the sight of patients with a rare eye condition called hypotony. [Full story...]

Opportunities.

Excellence in Glaucoma Care Awards 2027 - Nominations open

Nominations are open for Glaucoma UK's annual Excellence in Glaucoma Care Awards, which recognise the impact that individuals, teams and volunteers have on patients with the condition and their wellbeing. [Full story...]

'Get Workplace Ready' Employment programme at RNC

The Royal National College of the Blind is running a a three-month employability programme for 18 to 29-year-olds with a vision impairment starting in February 2027. [Full story...]

Vision Support is looking for trustees

Vision Support is recruiting for trustees to join their Board. [Full story...]

Sight Life 'Beautifully Blind' make-up tutorials

Sight Life will be running another series of its popular 'Beautifully Blind' make-up tutorials starting in January 2027. [Full story...]

Become a Tech Champion Volunteer with Thomas Pocklington Trust

Thomas Pocklington Trust is looking for blind and partially sighted students aged 18 to 23 to join its Tech Champion volunteer group. [Full story...]

VICTA Christmas competition - Tree for Treats 2026

VICTA's annual Christmas competition is open. 'Tree for Treats' invites vision impaired children and young people to make a home-made decoration, ideally one with a sensory element to the decoration, such as a Christmassy scent, a tactile feel, or jingly bells. [Full story...]

VICTA 'Beyond the Book' gives free access to Audible Premium

VICTA is joining with audio book platform Audible to offer young people (aged 12 to 18 years) free access to Audible Premium for six months. [Full story...]

VICTA Child Ticket Offer: Visit a Christmas Experience Near You

VICTA are offering to reimburse the cost of your VI child’s ticket (up to 17 years) when you visit a Christmas experience near to you as a family. This can include a Christmas light show, Christmas pantomime, theatre show or experience. [Full story...]

Family Fund Grants open for families in Wales

The Family Fund Wales grant programme is now open for applications. [Full story...]

The Great British Bake Off – Casting Call

The Great British Bake Off is currently looking for a fresh batch of bakers to take part in the next series, and wants to hear from you if you are vision impaired. [Full story...]

The Amber Trust Music Awards

The Amber Trust is a charity which provides musical opportunities for blind and partially sighted children, and children with more complex needs, via its Music Awards and Music Services. Music Awards are made three times per year, and the next application deadline is 15th November. [Full story...]

Change 100 internship programme for people with disabilities is open for applications

Change 100, the internship programme for people with disabilities is open for applications. [Full story...]

Applications to join the LOOK Mentoring Team are open

LOOK is seeking people with sight loss aged 18 to 35 to join their mentoring team. Full training is provided, and once matched with a mentee, you will receive full support. [Full story...]

Disability Wales is recruiting for new Board Members

Disability Wales is recruiting for new Board Members, who can help give a greater voice to disabled people by championing and lobbying for change. [Full story...]

Mental Health Support Groups for people with vision impairment / sight loss and their carers in Northeast Wales

Healthy Minds Matter is a Community Interest Company (CIC) which helps to support people with their everyday mental health, particularly those who may not meet the criteria for clinical support. The company is running a new 6-month National Lottery Wales funded initiative to support the mental wellbeing of people living with sight loss and carers of people living with sight loss (as a separate group) in Northeast Wales. [Full story...]

Have a go at making a podcast

Tom Walker, a freelance BBC producer and podcaster, is keen to hear from organisations supporting people who might benefit from having a go at making a podcast. [Full story...]

Job opportunity with Sight Cymru - Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS/ ROVI)

Sight Cymru have a vacancy for FT/ PT Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS/ ROVI). Job Share and/or part time can be considered. [Full story...]

Sports Opportunity: Pickleball

Jon Hayes of Special Olympics Swansea is supporting Swansea University and Frenz Pickleball with the development of an audible pickleball for blind and partially sighted players, and is looking for feedback. [Full story...]

LOOK Healthy Parent Carer Programme - Update

The Autumn 2026 presentation of LOOK's Healthy Parent Carer Programme is now fully subscribed, but an additional presentation of the course has been scheduled in Spring 2027. [Full story...]

Shape the future of Behçet’s research by taking part in 'Our Future Health' research programme

Behçet’s UK is asking people aged 18 and over with the condition to help ensure that people living with Behçet’s are represented in one of the UK’s most ambitious health research initiatives by taking part in 'Our Future Health', the UK’s largest health research programme, delivered in partnership with the NHS. [Full story...]

MACS Meet-up and Panto in Wales

MACS, the UK's national charity for children born with one or more of three rare conditions, Microphthalmia (small, underdeveloped eye), Anophthalmia (no eye) and Coloboma (a gap or cleft in the eye structure), is holding a fun-filled weekend for members in Wales. The event will bring families together for a weekend packed with activities, great food, laughter, and a trip to see 'Beauty and the Beast' at Cardiff New Theatre. [Full story...]

Thomas Pocklington Trust 'Get Set Progress' internships 2026/27 are open

Thomas Pocklington Trust are offering a range of paid internship opportunities for blind and partially sighted people across the UK. Whether you're looking to take your first significant step into work or return to employment after sight loss, there could be an opportunity that's right for you. [Full story...]

Welsh Government encouraging people from all backgrounds to apply for Public Appointments

In Wales, Public Appointments are usually made by a government minister, to the board of a public body, and cover everything from the arts to sport and consumer interests to more specialised areas, such as historic buildings and monuments. The Welsh Government is committed to making these appointments open, inclusive, and accessible to a wide range of talented individuals, including people with sight loss, ensuring that all voices have the chance to make a difference. [Full story...]

Free swimming lessons for vision impaired children in South Wales

The Royal Society for Blind Children have been working with Halo Leisure to provide swimming lessons for VI children, who live in Wales. Halo have pools based in Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, Tondu and Pontypool. [Full story...]

RSBC offer a loaning scheme for Meta Glasses

The Royal Society for Blind Children is the first Vision Impairment charity in the UK to offer a loaning scheme for Meta Glasses, allowing service users the chance to trial this new assistive technology, free of charge. [Full story...]

VI Tennis in Swansea

Weekly Vision Impaired Tennis sessions will be re-starting on Friday 5th June from 4pm to 5pm at the Swansea Tennis Centre. [Full story...]

Free discounts for charity workers and volunteers

If you work or volunteer in any role within a charity organisation you are entitled to discounts from Charity Workers Discounts. This includes charity workers, fundraising staff, volunteers and office based staff. [Full story...]

UCAN Collective

UCAN Collective is a new creative group for blind and vision impaired people aged 18 plus, who will be creating performances, film, audio, comedy, presentations, and making work based on their lived experience. [Full story...]

New eye condition-specific UK telephone support groups

RNIB has announced new eye condition-specific UK telephone support groups. [Full story...]

Guide Dogs 'My Time To Play' starting in Cardiff

Guide Dogs Cymru are looking to set up a My Time To Play group in Cardiff starting in July. [Full story...]

'Ballet Cymru 3' - Inclusive ballet classes in Rogerstone, Newport

Ballet Cymru is running weekly inclusive ballet sessions which are suitable for children with sight loss aged 8+. [Full story...]

Monthly walks for guide dog owners

Some part of Wales have a monthly meet-up for guide dog owners, where they can walk, talk, socialise and allow their dogs to have a run and play with each other. There is also the opportunity to set up a group in your area, if one doesn't already exist. [Full story...]

Ceredigion Association for the Blind seeks volunteers for their Technical Support Service

Ceredigion Association for the Blind is looking for three volunteers for their Technical Support Service to cope with increasing demand. [Full story...]

Guide Dogs 'My Time To Play' programme is expanding in Wales

Guide Dogs is expanding its My Time To Play programme, bringing fun and supportive group sessions to those parts of South and West Wales with the greatest demand. [Full story...]

RNIB Talk and Support - New telephone group for LGBTQ+ community

The RNIB Talk and Support team are planning to start a new monthly social telephone group for people from the LGBTQ+ community who have sight loss. [Full story...]

Welshpool and District VI Club seeks new members

Welshpool and District VI Club, a social and entertainment group for people with a vision impairments and carers, is looking for new members. [Full story...]

Sight Cymru's Torfaen Social Group seeks new members

Sight Cymru's Torfaen Vision Impaired Social Group meets every other Monday, and is always ready to welcome new members. [Full story...]

VICTA launch Book Club for children and young people

To mark World Book Day 2026, VICTA has launched a new virtual Book Club for ages 5 to 13 and 14 to 29 years. [Full story...]

MACS seeks new members

Tennis Wales offer support to set up vi tennis sessions for groups

Tennis Wales, the national governing body of tennis and padel in Wales, is offering groups representing people with sight loss support to set up vision impaired tennis sessions. [Full story...]

Opportunities to help nystagmus research

The Nystagmus Network website includes a page of information about opportunities to get involved in research into the condition, and help improve understanding and develop treatments. [Full story...]

Marfan and Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Online Clinics

The Marfan Trust is offering people who are newly diagnosed with the condition free one-to-one online clinic appointments with a specialist nurse. [Full story...]

Sight Life looking to set up group for artists

A member of Sight Life is looking to set up a group for visually impaired and sighted artists who are working in the five senses. [Full story...]

Emotional Wellbeing Support training for professionals working with VI children

The Royal Society for Blind Children provides Emotional Wellbeing Support training for professionals who work with vision impaired children, young people and their families in any context where emotional support is not the primary focus of your role, for example as a QTVI, an ECLO, an Ophthalmologist or habilitation worker. [Full story...]

Eye2Eye - Social club for visually impaired people in Flintshire seeks new members

Eye2Eye, the social group for visually impaired people based in Flintshire, is looking for more members. [Full story...]

Sense Adventures - Guided activity days and short break holidays for blind and vision impaired people

Sense Adventures offers guided day activities and short breaks in mixed groups to blind and sighted people in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Most activities take place on the Malvern Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty between the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. More recently they have added short breaks in The Gower, South Wales. [Full story...]

Deafblind UK Advisory Group - Your Voice, Your Experience, Your Future

Living with deafblindness brings unique experiences and challenges that only those who share this journey truly understand. The Deafblind UK Advisory Group is made up of members who work together with the charity's staff to make sure that the services they provide reflect the needs and experiences of people who are deafblind. [Full story...]

Rhondda Radio offers community announcements

Rhondda Radio is a community radio station operating in the Rhondda Cynon Taf area. They offer community announcements such as forthcoming community events etc. [Full story...]

Help make Wales more inclusive for vision impaired children – Refer organisations to RSBC

To help make Wales more inclusive for vision impaired children, RSBC is inviting professionals, parents and carers to share the names of any Welsh organisations that vision impaired children and young people access. [Full story...]

Other resources.

Support for veterans with vision impairment from Blind Veterans UK and Deafblind UK

During the annual period of national remembrance, this is a reminder that Blind Veterans UK supports vision-impaired ex-Servicemen and women for life, regardless of how or when they lost their sight and Deafblind UK provides free specialist support to veterans living with reduced sight and hearing. [Full story...]

Deafblind UK Winter Wellness Programme

Deafblind UK will be running their Winter Wellness Programme again this year to provide extra support to people who have both sight and hearing loss. [Full story...]

A guide to watching TV when you have sight loss from Sight Cymru

Sight Cymru's Digital Inclusion Officer has produced a useful guide to buying, setting up and watching TV for people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Halloween ideas for children with sight loss

Sense and Henshaws have advice on how children with sight loss can enjoy Halloween activities. [Full story...]

New Visionary podcast on being a vision impaired parent

Visionary has launched a new podcast series titled “A Space of Our Own”, a new initiative that provides a safe and welcoming space for honest conversations and shared experiences of everyday life with sight loss. In the latest episode, Nia and Owen speak about their own journeys to parenthood and what it’s like to be a vision impaired parent. [Full story...]

Video and Audio Recordings of the Retina UK Conferences available

Video and audio recordings of Retina UK's Professionals' Conference and Annual Conference in September 2026 are now available on the organisation's website. [Full story...]

Recordings from the Macular Disease Conference 2026 available

If you were unable to attend the recent Macular Disease Conference, recordings are available now on the Society's website. [Full story...]

Useful tips for blind parents

Following the recent publicity given to a pilot project which turns 20-Week ultrasound scans into sonograms for parents with sight loss, an article on the BBC website looks more widely at the issues that vision impaired parents face, and includes some useful hints and tips. [Full story...]

Top Tips for vision impaired people on keeping your eyes safe in the sun

LOOK's website has some useful tips for people with vision impairment on tints, shades and sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun. [Full story...]

LOOK launches new podcast - 'Media Mob Unfiltered'

LOOK has launched Media Mob Unfiltered, a brand-new podcast led by visually impaired young people, sharing real conversations about the things that matter most to them. [Full story...]

Summer Holiday Top Tips for parents from LOOK

LOOK has compiled some useful information for parents to help them keep their vision impaired children engaged and entertained over the long summer break. [Full story...]

Eye Matter - A peer support and social inclusion charity

Eye Matter is a multi-activity peer support and social inclusion charity for anyone over 18 living with a visual impairment. [Full story...]

Blind Veterans UK’s Working Age Rehabilitation Programme

Blind Veterans Working-Age Rehabilitation Program supports and rehabilitates blind veterans to help them live independently. Over the course of five-days, veterans of working age are supported to develop vital independent living skills which will hopefully lead to them accessing, obtaining and remaining in employment. [Full story...]

New diabetic eye screening video

A new diabetic eye screening video is now available from Public Health Wales. [Full story...]

RNIB updates their Sight Loss Data Tool

RNIB's Sight Loss Data Tool has been updated. It is the UK’s biggest collection of eye health and sight loss data, which helps people understand eye health and sight loss at a local level. [Full story...]

Blind Ambition launch new recruitment site for VI Jobseekers

Blind Ambition has launched a new recruitment site designed specifically to connect inclusive employers with blind and partially sighted job seekers. [Full story...]

LOOK resource for parents: Accessible Gaming and Online Safety

LOOK has produced a guide for parents which gives them practical tips on ensuring that their vision impaired child can enjoy gaming, build independence, and stay safe while connecting with others online. [Full story...]

'Faith’s Fakeaways' - New cookbook for people with sight loss

Faith Barber-Hughes, a professional chef with Stargardt disease, has written a new cookbook designed to make cooking accessible for anyone living with sight loss. [Full story...]

'See it our way' - New podcast from VICTA change makers

'See it our way' is the new bi-monthly podcast series from the VICTA Changemakers, a group of blind and partially sighted young adults. [Full story...]

Preparing for a job interview when you have dual sensory loss

Deafblind UK has some useful advice for people with dual sight and hearing loss when preparing for a job interview. [Full story...]

Deafblind UK launch nation-wide Usher Syndrome Helpline

Deafblind UK has just launched a completely new national helpline service. The Usher Syndrome Helpline is run jointly with Deafblind Scotland, allowing cover for the whole of the UK. [Full story...]

VICTA launch Parent Podcast

VICTA has launched a new service, 'The VICTA Parent Network Voice', a podcast created especially for parents of children and young people with vision impairment. [Full story...]

Sight Loss Advice Emails from RNIB

Sight Loss Advice Emails from RNIB [Full story...]

New resources for professionals from RSBC

The Royal Society for Blind Children has created a dedicated space filled with resources for professionals to help you support children, young people, and families navigating their journey with vision impairment. [Full story...]

Miscellaneous.

Help to grow the reach of Sight Loss Councils

Sight Loss Councils are led by blind and partially sighted volunteer members and work to create positive change for people with sight loss in their area. You can help to grow the reach of Sight Loss Councils by following, liking, commenting on and sharing their posts and help raise awareness of accessibility issues. [Full story...]

Vision impaired singer from Wales wins BBC's 'The Voice UK'

Congratulations to Cate McHugh from Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan, winner of the BBC's 'The Voice UK ' singing competition. [Full story...]

Disability organisations respond to Autumn Budget

Several sight loss organisations have responded to the Chancellor's recent Autumn Budget announcement. [Full story...]

Fight for Sight grants update

Fight for Sight has produced an update on the latest grants that it has awarded, and on what has been achieved so far with existing project grants. [Full story...]

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

For Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September), the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is highlighting the signs of retinoblastoma that parents and health professionals should be aware of, so that it can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. [Full story...]

Forty Years of Guide Dogs Training in Cardiff

Guide Dogs Cymru is marking a special anniversary on Thursday 29th September 2026. It’s exactly 40 years since the official opening of Wales’s first guide dog training centre at Trevillian House in Cathedral Road, Cardiff. [Full story...]

British Wireless for the Blind Fund is now Visably

Following research with people living with sight loss, British Wireless for the Blind Fund has rebranded as 'Visably'. The charity's focus is now on helping people living with sight loss with their tech until it clicks – growing confidence, connection, and independence. [Full story...]

Best of Brecon Awards – Personal Achievement Award for campaigner Nick Lancaster

Congratulations to guide dog owner and campaigner Nick Lanacaster, who has been honoured by Brecon Town Council. Nick, a staunch campaigner for Guide Dogs, won the Personal Achievement category in the 'Best of Brecon' Awards. [Full story...]

Optometry Today feature looks at how optometrists in Wales play important role in preventative healthcare

An article on the Optometry Today website describes the important role that Wales's optometrists play in not only supporting the eye health of their patients, but identifying and managing broader health risks such as smoking and diabetes. [Full story...]

Contact Cymru launch 'Stronger Futures' - New support for families in Denbighshire and Wrexham

Contact Cymru has announced a new programme of support for families of disabled children living in Denbighshire and Wrexham. 'Stronger Futures' follows a similar programme, 'Claiming with Confidence' which has been running in Conwy and Gwynedd. [Full story...]

DWP hiring extra staff to deal with Access to Work backlog

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that it will recruit an additional 480 extra staff to to clear the backlog in applications to the Access to Work scheme. [Full story...]

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026

For Mental Health Awareness Week (11th to 17th May), we have a reminder that many sight loss organisation provide resources and support to help people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Primary Eyecare Services partners with Wales's Centre for Vision Services Research

'Optometry Today' is reporting that the Centre for Vision Services Research in Wales is partnering with Primary Eye Care Services, a not for profit lead provider in optometry in England supporting the delivery of primary and community eye care services. [Full story...]

Welsh Government Heating Oil and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) support scheme for low income households

The Welsh Government has launched a scheme to support low-income households with the cost of heating oil and LPG, using £3.8 million of funding provided by the UK Government. A household will be eligible for a single £200 payment if they are eligible for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. [Full story...]

Fight for Sight launches the Children and Young People with Vision Impairment Funding Programme

Fight for Sight has announced a new initiative designed to transform understanding of services and resources available to children and young people with vision impairment in the UK. [Full story...]

Official launch of the Centre for Vision Services Research

An official launch event for the Centre for Vision Services Research was held at Cardiff University in January 2026, with a keynote address from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales. [Full story...]

Update: S.P.A.C.E. – Stakeholder Parent and Carer Engagement Meetings

Stakeholder Parent and Carer Engagement Meetings (S.P.A.C.E) is a coalition of charities and families of disabled children across Wales, led by Family Fund. With elections to the Welsh Senedd taking place in May 2026, parents are being urged to get involved, to help to ensure that families are not just consulted but are actively shaping the future of policy and practice in Wales. A hustings event was held in Bangor in March. [Full story...]

Outgoing CEO reflects on his seven years with RNIB

The outgoing CEO of RNIB, Matt Stringer, has reflected on his seven years in the role in an interview with Optometry Today. [Full story...]

VI Breconshire Support Group - change of venue

Visual Impairment Breconshire (VIB)'s Brecon Support Group (incorporating the macular group) now meets at Brecon Library instead of the Guildhall. [Full story...]

Social opportunities for people with sight and hearing loss: Deafblind UK to launch project across Wales

Deafblind UK is set to deliver a largescale project to improve social connections and use of accessible technology for those with dual sensory loss in Wales. Deafblind Connections Cymru is a four-year project designed to help deafblind people across Wales feel more connected, supported, informed and included in their communities. [Full story...]

Review of optometry in 2025

An article on the Optometry Today website looks at the stories that shaped optometry over the past year in the four nations of the UK, and hopes for 2026. [Full story...]

Impact of the Autumn budget

RNIB has produced an analysis of the impact of the Chancellor's recent Autumn Budget on people with sight loss. [Full story...]

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. [Full story...]

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board wins Visibly Better Employer Award

Congratulations to Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, which has become the UK’s first health board or NHS organisation to receive a Visibly Better Employer Award from RNIB, demonstrating its commitment to accessibility. The award was presented at this year's Wales Eyecare Conference in Cardiff. [Full story...]