Sylw - the bulletin of Wales Council of the Blind.

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Contents.

WCB News.

WCB seeks a Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager

For this role, we are seeking a Sight Loss Engagement Manager who is blind or partially sighted, to be an effective voice to improve the lives of people with sight loss and create effective change in Wales. [Full story...]

Save the Date - Wales Eyecare Conference 2025

The annual Wales Eyecare Conference 2025 will be held on Thursday 6th November at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. [Full story...]

Wales Council of the Blind to cease use of X

Wales Council of the Blind will no longer post on X (formerly Twitter). [Full story...]

Deadline extended: Eye Connect Cymru project - Survey for families and educators

Eye Connect is an RSBC Project in collaboration with WCB (Wales Council for the Blind), CWVYS (Council for Wales Voluntary Youth), and other partners designed to connect VI (visually impaired) children and young people (CYP) and give them a voice in their community. The project plans to achieve this in various ways, such as providing emotional well-being support, group support, practical referrals to professionals, family/CYP one-to-one online sessions, and ensuring that more children/youth-focused organisations are VI-inclusive. [Full story...]

Eye Connect Cymru project to give vision impaired children and young people a voice.

Wales Council of the Blind will be working with the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) and the Council for Wales of Voluntary Youth Services (CWVYS) to deliver a new National Lottery-funded project 'Eye Connect Cymru'. [Full story...]

Perspectif Social: New project to tackle loneliness

Perspectif Social is a new project to tackle loneliness in people with vision impairment. [Full story...]

Consultations and Lobbying.

Disability Wales survey on impact of benefit cuts

Disability Wales is asking its members to complete a short survey on how the UK Government's proposed changes to the benefits system will affect them. [Full story...]

Consultation on Bridgend town centre access

Bridgend CBC is consulting on potential improvements to enhance access to Bridgend town centre. [Full story...]

UK Benefits Reform Consultation: accessible versions and consultation events

Accessible versions of the UK Government's consultation documents are now available, and details of consultation events are also on the website. [Full story...]

How could the proposed changes to benefits affect you? Information from the Macular Society and RNIB

The Macular Society has provided a summary of the UK Government's proposals for changes to the benefits system, and RNIB has designed an online form which can be used to contact your MP to raise concerns. [Full story...]

Welsh Government Consultations

We have produced a list of current Welsh Government consultations of potential interest to the disability sector. [Full story...]

UK Government announces ‘Biggest shake up to welfare system in a generation’

The UK Government has launched a consultation paper setting out major plans and proposals to reform health, disability benefits and employment support. While sight loss organisations and other disability charities have given a cautious welcome to some of the proposals, such as plans to improve the Access to Work system, other aspects of the proposals, for example, tightening the criteria for qualifying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), are a cause for concern for people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Pocklington Trust launch 'Reflect & Engage Survey'

The Thomas Pocklington Trust is asking blind and partially sighted people across the UK to take part in their 'Reflect & Engage Survey'. The survey will help to keep our the charity's campaigning on track with your aims. [Full story...]

ALN System Evaluation: Parents and Carers Survey - closing soon!

The Welsh Government's Depart for Education is asking parents of children with additional learning needs (ALN) to share their views on how the system is working in Wales. [Full story...]

Retina UK Sight Loss Survey 2025

Retina UK has launched its Sight Loss Survey 2025, and is encouraging anyone living with inherited sight loss to complete it. The charity is particularly keen to hear from a more diverse group, including young adults and those from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. [Full story...]

Share your experience of accessing vision rehabilitation in RNIB survey

RNIB is asking people with vision impairment living in Wales and England to complete a short survey about their experience of vision rehabilitation. [Full story...]

RNIB Survey for people with a recent diagnosis of sight loss Deadline extended

1 in 5 people will have sight loss in the future. After receiving a diagnosis people can feel lonely, fearful, and frustrated. RNIB wants to better understand how post-diagnosis support can be improved, and want to hear about your experiences. [Full story...]

UK Government Petition: Stop DWP repeating PIP assessments for disabled people

A petition has been started, calling on the UK Government's Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to stop forcing disabled people to repeatedly prove their disabilities in order to continue receiving benefits. [Full story...]

Have your say and help the Older People's Commissioner deliver positive change for older people in Wales

The Older People's Commissioner has identified four key national outcomes that will provide a focus and strategic approach to her work to improve the lives of older people in Wales, and wants to hear your views on how they can be achieved. The four national outcomes I have identified are focused on ensuring that older people: Can access the information, services and support they need Feel safe in their relationships, homes and communities Are treated fairly and their contribution is recognised and valued Can make their voices heard and have meaningful choice and control [Full story...]

Survey on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare decision making

CEDAR (Centre for Healthcare Evaluation, Device Assessment, and Research), a collaboration between Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Cardiff University, is running a survey on the barriers and facilitators to the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare in Wales. [Full story...]

Research into creative opportunities for vi children in Wales

UCAN Productions, the creative arts cooperative run by and for blind and visually impaired young people, are currently researching the creative opportunities available for blind and visually impaired children in Wales. They are focusing on individuals under 7 years old and their families, and also children and young adults that are Welsh speakers. [Full story...]

Reports and Publications.

How to make the most out of your optician appointments

The Macular Society has published some useful advice to help you make the most out of your optician appointments. [Full story...]

RNIB Report - 'Navigating motherhood with sight loss'.

A new report from RNIB explores blind and partially sighted women’s experiences of motherhood, shedding light on societal attitudes and interactions with health and social care professionals. as well as the solutions mothers with sight loss put in place. [Full story...]

Latest issue of Blind Veterans UK's 's newsletter available

The Winter 2025 edition of 'Debrief', the newsletter of Blind Veterans, is now available on their website. [Full story...]

Latest issue of Retina UK's newsletter available

The Spring 2025 issue of 'Look Forward', the newsletter of Retina UK, is available. [Full story...]

Welsh Parliament Equality and Social Justice Committee publish report on the disability equality gap

The Welsh Parliament Equality and Social Justice Committee has published the results of its inquiry into the disability employment and payment gap. 'Anything’s Achievable with the Right Support: Tackling the Disability Employment Gap' concludes that ' widespread misconceptions and negative attitudes persist in the workplace with regards, for example, to the costs associated with reasonable adjustments. These need to be challenged at every opportunity'. [Full story...]

Wales Eye Care Digest for 2024

The Chief Optometric Advisor for Wales has published his review for 2024. [Full story...]

New guide for parents from Henshaws: 'Sight Beyond Vision'

Henshaws has produced 'Sight Beyond Vision: A Parents Guide to Vision Impairment' which provides practical advice, emotional support, and essential information to help children and young people with sight loss lead independent lives. [Full story...]

Winter edition of MACS Focus Magazine available

The latest (Winter 2024) edition of 'Focus', the quarterly magazine of Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia & Coloboma Support (MACS) is available. [Full story...]

New audiobook explores living with vision impairment in the UK

A group of young people have worked with academics at Bath University to produce an uplifting account of how to navigate key life transitions when living with sight loss: 'Today and Tomorrow; Living with Vision Impairment' . [Full story...]

Alström Syndrome UK's Winter 24 newsletter available

The latest edition of Alström Syndrome UK's newsletter, for Winter 2024, has been published. [Full story...]

Results of Contact's 'Counting the Costs' survey published

The results of Contact's 'Counting the Costs' survey have been published and reveal the financial difficulties facing families with a disabled child. [Full story...]

Welsh Government Statement to mark International Day of Disabled People

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt MS, has issued a written statement to mark the International Day of Disabled People (3rd December). [Full story...]

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

The Autumn/Winter 2024 edition of Forward, the Guide Dogs’ magazine for supporters, clients and the general public has been published. [Full story...]

BBS UK Conference Report published

BBS UK, the organisation for people affected by Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, has published the report of their 2024 Conference. [Full story...]

Latest CHECT newsletter available

The Winter 2024 edition of 'In Focus', the newsletter of The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) has been published. [Full story...]

Sense launches Benefits Charter

Recent research by Sense into the experiences of people with disabilities when claiming benefits has concluded that the current system is 'letting disabled people down every day'. The charity proposes a new charter for fairer access, design and provision of a benefits system that puts disabled people at its heart. [Full story...]

Dealing with bullying - Contact's Guide for Parents

Anti Bullying Week in November raises awareness of the harm that this behaviour can cause. Bullying can happen to any child, but is often aimed at children who are different in some way, for example because of a disability. Contact, the UK charity for families with a disabled child, has produced a guide with help and advice for families dealing with this difficult situation. [Full story...]

NHS Wales publishes 'National Clinical Strategy for Ophthalmology'

NHS Wales has published a National Clinical Strategy for Ophthalmology, which aims to address the huge increase in the number of people waiting for an ophthalmology appointment in Wales over the past decade. [Full story...]

Research report on use of the Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI)

A new research report from the eye care sector in Wales considers whether the level of certification of vision impairment is an under-estimate of the true level of need. [Full story...]

'Turned Out 2024': RNIB reports results of its survey on voting in the 2024 UK General Election

RNIB has published the results of its survey on the experiences of vision impaired people when trying to vote in the 2024 General Election. Yet again, many voters with sight loss reported feeling frustrated and humiliated by the current electoral system, with only 26 per cent of blind people feeling that the current voting system allowed them to vote independently and in secret. [Full story...]

Parliamentary group publishes results of an enquiry into the employment of vision impaired people

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Eye Health and Visual Impairment has published the results of its inquiry into the employment of vision impaired people. 'Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives: An Inquiry into Employer Attitudes and the Employment of Blind and Partially Sighted People' highlights 'the devastating impact negative employer attitudes are having on the levels of employment amongst blind and partially sighted people'. [Full story...]

Vision rehabilitation work in Powys features in Optometry Today

In a recent article in Optometry Today, senior vision rehabilitation specialist from Powys, Susan Davies, describes her work and the art sessions she has facilitated for deafblind people in her area. [Full story...]

RNIB online resources for children and families

RNIB's Children, Young People and Families team continues to update its online resources for parents and professionals. [Full story...]

Alström Syndrome UK publish 'Journey to Diagnosis' report

'Journey to Diagnosis' is a report commissioned by Alström Syndrome UK to gain a better understanding of the journey to diagnosis of this condition, and identify recommendations to improve patient and family experiences and health outcomes. [Full story...]

New report from Guide Dogs raises concerns about accessibility challenges of some active travel infrastructure

Guide Dogs has commissioned University College London (UCL) to explore the impact of four different types of design on disabled people, including those who are blind and vision impaired:: Floating Island Bus Stops, Shared Bus Stop Boarders, Segregated Cycle-footways and Continuous Footways. The research finds that they are causing significant fear and anxiety for people with a vision impairment and other disabilities, leading some to avoid these bus stops altogether. [Full story...]

British Wireless for the Blind Fund - Impact Report 2023

British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) has produced its Impact Report 2023, showing how its audio devices and apps are helping over 30,000 people access the world of audio. [Full story...]

Travelling with glaucoma medication

Glaucoma UK has some useful advice to patients who are going on holiday, and have concerns about transporting and storing their medication. [Full story...]

Older People's Commissioner launches 'GP Practices in Wales: A Guide for Older People'

The Older People's Commissioner for Wales has launched a new guide which explains what you can expect from your GP practice, your rights, and what to do if you are experiencing difficulties. [Full story...]

RNIB response to the first report from the UK Covid -19 Inquiry

The first report from the UK Covid - 19 Inquiry, covering Resilience and Preparedness, has been published, and RNIB has issued a response. [Full story...]

Children with disabilities in Wales being denied their right to an education

A new report from the Welsh Parliament's Children, Young People and Education Committee considers whether disabled children and young people have equal access to education and childcare. It concludes that although 'there is some inclusive provision which meets the needs of children, young people and their families, this provision is patchy and inconsistent across Wales'. [Full story...]

RNIB Cymru Welsh Language Scheme relaunched

RNIB Cymru has relaunched its Welsh Language Scheme, highlighting their commitment to supporting people with sight loss in Wales in both of the country's official languages. [Full story...]

Disability Wales launch 'A Social Model of Disability Toolkit'

Disability Wales has produced a new guide: 'A Social Model of Disability Toolkit', which is intended to be essential reading for anyone who wants to learn more about the social model, inclusive language and tackling disabling barriers in society. [Full story...]

Learning disability and sight loss - resources from SeeAbility

People with learning disabilities are ten times more likely to have serious sight problems. For Learning Disability Week (17th to 23rd June), we have a reminder that SeeAbility, the organisation supporting people who have learning disabilities or autism, who may also have sight loss has produced a range of easy read guides to eye conditions and eye care. [Full story...]

Research report gives proposals for a mental health training curriculum for staff in the visual impairment sector

Sight impairment can have profound psychological consequences but these are not always addressed. A research report published in the British Journal of Visual Impairment contains proposals for a curriculum which would train people working in the sight loss sector to identify mental health issues in their clients, and signpost them for support. [Full story...]

RNIB 'Be Helpful Guide' for sighted people

RNIB's new 'Be Helpful Guide' is full of tips and advice on how family and friends of people with sight loss, and members of the public, can make getting around easier for vision impaired people. [Full story...]

Research suggests that a quarter of people with sight loss are missing out on benefits

New research carried out by Loughborough University for RNIB has found that around one in four blind and partially sighted people are not claiming the disability benefits to which they are entitled. [Full story...]

New guide: Behçet’s and Employment

Behçet’s UK has produced a new employment guide for people with the condition and updated their guide for employers. [Full story...]

Access.

RWCMD Summer Brochure in accessible formats

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD)'s Summer 2025 brochure is available in audio and large print formats. [Full story...]

How to plan an accessible Easter egg hunt

LOOK has produced a helpful guide on how to make your Easter egg hunt accessible for everyone. [Full story...]

Audio-described tours of the No Welsh Art exhibition in Aberystwyth

The National Library of Wales has audio-described tours of the No Welsh Art exhibition at 2pm on 17th April and 20th August. This special exhibition tells the story of Wales' visual culture and comprises over 250 works of art. [Full story...]

Theatr Iolo raise awareness of Audio Described shows for blind and partially sighted children

To raise awareness of audio description in theatres and to explain to children what an audio described performance will be like, Theatr Iolo have made a short film showing a child enjoying a Touch Tour and an Audio Described show. [Full story...]

Royal Collection online lectures for vision impaired people

The Royal Collection, which looks after the Royal Family's art collection, is free running monthly online lectures for blind and partially-sighted people. Talks take place on the first Tuesday of the month, from 2pm. [Full story...]

Audio described shows at the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

There will be audio described performances of several shows at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff in April and May. [Full story...]

Morrisons launch exclusive online discounts for people with disabilities

The supermarket Morrisons has partnered with Purpl, the disabled discount website, to launch exclusive discounts for people with disabilities when they shop online. [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...]

RNIB Shop gets a new look

The RNIB Shop has been relaunched, with an updated design and new features intended to give users a better online shopping experience. [Full story...]

Speed of Sight Driving Experiences - 2025 schedule

Speed of Sight, the organisation that provides motor sport experiences for people with disabilities (including vision impairment), has published its schedule of events for 2025, including some in Wales. [Full story...]

Audio Described Tours at the National Roman Legion Museum

National Roman Legion Museum offers free audio described tours for blind and vision impaired visitors, giving them to to find out about Roman life in Caerleon. [Full story...]

Transport for Wales announces major rail timetable changes

A new rail timetable comes into operation in Wales on Sunday 15th December 2024. The announcement from Transport for Wales says the changes will mean a better service for passengers, including increased services at some stations and later services from Cardiff Central and Swansea. [Full story...]

Opportunities to try Vision Impaired bowling

The Welsh Association of VI Bowling (WAVIB) has host of clubs that offer vision impaired bowls sessions. These clubs play both indoor and outdoor bowls so it’s an accessible sport that can be played all year round. Many bowls clubs offer free coaching themselves and are keen to have new members. [Full story...]

Blind Barbie doll produced

The first blind Barbie doll has been released by toy-maker Mattel as part of its efforts to make its dolls more representative of society. [Full story...]

Experiences of a gamer with vision impairment

In an item on the Guide Dogs website, a vision impaired gamer describes the different types of games he plays, and the accessibility features and software that he uses. [Full story...]

Transport for Wales 'Travel Companions' to assist disabled passengers

Rail passengers with a vision impairment can travel around Wales more confidently, thanks to a new initiative by Transport for Wales. [Full story...]

Gardening when you have sight loss - Advice from Thrive

For National Gardening Week (29th April to 5th May 2024), here's a reminder that Thrive's 'Get Gardening' website has lots of tips and advice on gardening when you have sight loss. [Full story...]

Events.

Retina UK's Men's Peer Support Group meeting

The next meeting of Retina UK's Men's Peer Support Group will be on Thursday 17th April. [Full story...]

Opal Ladies coffee morning in Porthcawl

There's a ladies coffee morning at the Waterfront in Porthcawl on 24th April, organised by Bridgevis. [Full story...]

Vision Zone events in Swansea and Neath

Optelec, the accessible products supplier, is running Vision Zone events in Swansea and Neath, in association with Sight Life. [Full story...]

New Goalball club to be launched in North Wales

Goalball UK, in association with Disability Sport Wales, are launching a new goalball club in North Wales. [Full story...]

Retina UK Peer Support Group for parents and carers

The next meeting of Retina UK's online Peer Support Group for the parents and carers of children with an inherited retinal dystrophy will be on Thursday 24th April. [Full story...]

Vision Support Socialise: Virtual Social Group

Socialise is Vision Support's virtual social group for young and working-age people living with sight loss in North Wales and Cheshire. [Full story...]

Fight for Sight webinars

Fight for Sight is running a series of free webinars related to the research that they fund. [Full story...]

UCAN Easter Holiday Workshops

UCAN Productions is hosting two free workshops for blind or partially sighted children, young people, and their friends during the Easter holidays. [Full story...]

Cardiff City Football Club Foundation are running Inclusive Kicks football sessions.

Cardiff City Football Club Foundation are running weekly Inclusive Kicks football sessions in Merthyr and Cardiff. [Full story...]

Royal Society for Blind Children events in April

The Royal Society for Blind Children is running two events in April, in addition to it's regular programme of events and activities for children and young people with sight loss. [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 you want to share their thoughts and chat with others who will be moving to Year 7 in September. The group meets monthly, via Zoom. [Full story...]

Vision Support 'Time to Chat' dial-in social group

Vision Support has launched a monthly dial-in social group where you can join either by phone or through Teams and meet others living with a vision impairment North Wales and parts of Cheshire and Halton. There will be exciting speakers/entertainment each month. [Full story...]

VICTA Parent Workshop - Understanding and Supporting Challenging Behaviour

VICTA's next Parent Workshop on Wednesday 30th April is 'Understanding and Supporting Challenging Behaviour'. [Full story...]

Well-being Workshops for Parent Carers in Wales

As part of its 'Building Resilience' project, Contact is running a free eight-session workshop programme for parent carers of children with disabilities and additional needs (with and without a diagnosis). The face-to-face workshops will be held in Brecon. [Full story...]

Marfan Trust online events

The Marfan Trust runs some online events for people affected by Marfan syndrome. [Full story...]

UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Organisation - Zoom Meetings

The UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Organisation holds quarterly Zoom meetings. [Full story...]

Events for professionals at New College Worcester

New College Worcester is running two outreach events for education professionals during the summer term. [Full story...]

Retina UK - National Peer Support Group Meeting

The Spring meeting of Retina UK's National Peer Support Group will be held online on Tuesday 25th March. The speaker will be Paul Ashurst, Founder of AbleNet UK, a company offering tailored experiences and products to people with disabilities or visual impairment of all types and ages. [Full story...]

Retina UK ‘Talking’ Tech Peer Support Group Meeting

The next meeting of Retina UK's ‘Talking’ Tech Peer Support Group is on 19th March. The group provides a welcoming, safe and friendly opportunity for people to meet up from across the UK to share experiences, tips and information, and meets bi-monthly. [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...]

Albinism Fellowship - New Parents Evening

The Albinism Fellowship is running another online event for parents with a child with a new diagnosis of albinism or a toddler under three years on Saturday 28th June. [Full story...]

Family Day at New College Worcester on 5th May

There's a free Family Day for any family with a vision impaired child at New College Worcester on Monday 5th May (Bank Holiday). [Full story...]

Wrexham VisionAid Low Vision Roadshow

Vision Support and VisionAid are holding a free low vision roadshow in Wrexham on Tuesday 15th April. [Full story...]

New Retina UK group - ‘Talking’ Creative Arts Peer Support Group

Retina UK's new 'Talking' Creative Arts' Peer Support Group will have its first meeting on Thursday 29th May. [Full story...]

'Celebration of VI Sport' at Royal National College of the Blind

The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) in Hereford is hosting a 'Celebration of VI Sport' on Thursday 17th April for young people aged between 10 and 15 with a visual impairment and their families. [Full story...]

BBS UK Conference 2025

The annual conference of BBS UK, the organisation for people affected by Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, will be held in Northampton on 25th-27th April 2025. [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...]

Torch Trust Online Lent Course

Torch Trust, the Christian sight loss charity, is running a weekly Online Lent Course starting on Tuesday 4th March at 2pm. [Full story...]

Retina UK launch Women's Peer Support Group

Retina UK's new Women's Peer Support Group had its first meeting on International Women's Day, Thursday 6th March. [Full story...]

Blind Ambition Social Hour

Blind Ambition holds a monthly Social Hour, where people with sight loss who are in, or looking for employment can connect with other people in a friendly, laid-back environment. [Full story...]

Blind Ambition Working Age Forum

Blind Ambition's Working Age Forum (WAF), a Zoom-based discussion group, offers a relaxed and sociable environment for people of a working age who are visually impaired. The group meets monthly, on the second Tuesday. [Full story...]

Retina UK webinars in March and April

Retina UK has published details of its webinars in March and April. [Full story...]

Nystagmus Network virtual support networks

Nystagmus Network runs virtual monthly support groups for parents of children with nystagmus, and for adults living with acquired or congenital nystagmus. They are an opportunity to meet like-minded people, share experiences, make new friends and support each other. [Full story...]

Vika’s FUN-tastic Friday - online club for young people - Spring Sessions

Vika's FUN-tastic Friday, New College Worcester's online club for young people aged 9 to 15 with vision impairment, will continue into May, and themes for the Spring sessions have been published. [Full story...]

Deafblind UK Job Club

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

Royal Society for Blind Children launch Welsh Social Group

As part of the National Lottery-funded Eye Connect Cymru project, the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) is starting a Welsh Social Group for vision impaired children and young people across Wales aged 10 to 16 years. [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 4th April, 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...]

LOOK Parent Support Group

LOOK runs an online Parent Support Group for the families and carers of children and young people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Contact online drop-in service for families of children with additional needs

Contact, the charity that supports families with a disabled child, runs an online drop-in service for families in Wales. [Full story...]

Vision Support 'Men's Time to Talk' Group in North Wales

Vision Support's confidential support group for men with vision impairment, Men's Time to Talk, will meet monthly, on the second Thursday. [Full story...]

Guide Dogs Cymru Local Walking Group in Swansea

Guide Dogs Cymru's Local Walking Group in Swansea meet once a month for a walk with good company. [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...]

Deafblind UK Social Group in Bridgend - change of meeting day

Deafblind UK runs a Social Group in Bridgend. The group will now meet on the third Monday of the month at St. Marys Hall, Nolton Bridgend CF31 3NH from 11am -1pm. [Full story...]

'Ladies who Lunch' - Women's only social group in Wrexham

Vision Support's new group ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ is a women’s only social group providing an opportunity for women to chat in a safe space over lunch. [Full story...]

North Wales Society for the Blind schedule for 2025

North Wales Society for the Blind has published the dates of its Social Club and Eryri Walking Club meetings in 2025. [Full story...]

Booking open for LOOKFest 2025

LOOKFest 2025, the festival designed specifically for families with blind and partially sighted children, will take place from Friday 25th July until Sunday 27th July. Bookings can be made now. [Full story...]

Deafblind UK TalkTech webinars

Deafblind UK has scheduled some more free 'Talk Tech' webinars, intended to provide practical tech advice to people with sight and hearing loss. [Full story...]

Deafblind UK fortnightly Tech Support Surgery

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

Sight Life start new social group in Gowerton

Sight Life is starting a new Gowerton drop-in social support group. The group provides an opportunity for people with sight loss in the area to come along and share your VI related hints and tips, find out what is going on locally and make new friends. [Full story...]

RNIB Training for professionals supporting learners with vision impairment

RNIB provides a wide range of online professional development training for those working with a child or young person with vision impairment. [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...]

Digital Glaucoma Support Group meetings in 2025

Glaucoma UK has scheduled more online support group meetings for 2025. [Full story...]

Contact online drop-in service for families of children with additional needs

Contact, the charity that supports families with a disabled child, has launched a new online drop-in service for families in Wales. [Full story...]

'Sisterhood! and 'Boys Crew!': New groups for vision impaired young people from RSBC

The Royal Society for Blind Children is launching two new groups for vision impaired young people aged 11-25, where you can connect and share ideas. [Full story...]

Vision Support Drop-in sessions in Denbigh Library

Vision Support is running a series of 'Talking Points' sessions in Denbigh Library, offering guidance to people with vision impairment on a range of topics. [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...]

Macular Society Local Support Groups in South Wales

The Macular Society runs support groups at venues across South Wales, providing support, information and companionship to people affected by macular conditions. [Full story...]

Macular Society Local Support Groups in North Wales

The Macular Society runs support groups at venues across North Wales, providing support, information and companionship to people affected by macular conditions. [Full story...]

All Wales Macular Telephone Support Group calls

The Macular Society in Wales runs telephone support meetings to help those who are unable to make it to meetings in person. [Full story...]

Sight Cymru Social Support Groups

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

Torch Trust starts Zoom Coffee Mornings

Torch Trust, the Christian sight loss charity, has started to run a monthly, online coffee morning for those who are unable to visit its in-person event. The sessions will be held on the fourth Thursday of the month. [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 RCT. [Full story...]

Short online sessions for professionals from RNIB

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

Technology.

Experimental gene therapy funded by Retina UK helps four toddlers gain "life-changing improvements"

An experimental trial of gene therapy has helped four toddlers born with one of the most severe forms of childhood blindness gain "life-changing improvements" to their sight. The researchers received funding from Retina UK. [Full story...]

British Wireless for the Blind Fund partners with VICTA to provide accessible technology to VI children and young people

A new Partnership between British Wireless for the Blind Fund and VICTA will provide accessible technology to children and young people with sight loss across the UK. [Full story...]

Latest Apple upgrade includes new accessibility features

The latest software release for Apple iPhones (iOS18) includes new accessibility features for people with vision impairment and other disabilities. [Full story...]

Research into a potential new treatment for glaucoma

A recent Fight for Sight-funded study led by Professor James Morgan at Cardiff University has identified a potential new treatment for glaucoma using a form of vitamin B3. [Full story...]

Be My Eyes is now available on Ray Ban Meta Glasses

Be My Eyes, the free mobile app that connects blind and low-vision individuals with sighted volunteers and companies from all over the world through a live video call, is now available on Ray Ban Meta Glasses. [Full story...]

Macular Society's 'Connect by Tech' service

The Macular Society’s 'Connect by Tech' service offers one-to-one telephone support with the technology that you use around your home. The Society's volunteers can help Macular Society members make the most of their smartphones, tablets and more. [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...]

Opportunities.

Female Futures Programme – Goalball UK and The FA Para Football joint initiative

Goalball UK and The FA Para Football have teamed up to run three joint camps in 2025 to identify, recruit and develop female blind or partially sighted people with opportunities to play goalball and blind football. This programme is aimed at women and girls aged 14+ . [Full story...]

Guide Dogs Cymru 'My Time to Play' sessions in Cardiff and Gowerton

Guide Dogs Cymru is running a series of 'My Time to Play' sessions for vision impaired children aged 0 to 4 years in Cardiff and Gowerton. [Full story...]

RSBC's Youth Forum seeks new members

The Royal Society for Blind Children's Youth Forum is recruiting new members, and are aiming to get a couple of new Welsh young people to join. [Full story...]

New College Worcester Summer Activity Break

New College Worcester is holding a Summer Activity Break for children and young people aged 11–16 years who are blind or vision impaired from Tuesday 22nd to Thursday 24th July. [Full story...]

CNIB Braille Writing Contest 2025

VICTA is inviting children and young people aged between 5-17 years old who are registered or are registrable as blind or partially sighted to enter the annual Braille Writing Contest organised by Canadian sight loss organisation CNIB. [Full story...]

Partially Sighted Football Taster Session at RNC

VICTA is organising a free Partially Sighted Football Taster Session for at Royal National College for the Blind on Saturday 10th May. [Full story...]

Vision Support Cycling Taster Sessions in Wrexham

Vision Support is running three cycling taster sessions at Pedal Power in Wrexham for people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Blind Ambition launch LinkedIn training for vi job seekers

Blind Ambition is running a free, six-week LinkedIn training programme designed specifically for blind and partially sighted jobseekers. [Full story...]

Goalball sessions in South and West Wales

Further goalball sessions are planned in South and West Wales. [Full story...]

Visually Impaired Sailing Association schedule for 2025 includes event in Milford Haven

The Visually Impaired Sailing Association (VISA) has published its schedule for 2025, and it includes an event based in Milford Haven, South Wales. [Full story...]

VI Insport events in Swansea Events Postponed

There will be two vision impaired-specific events in Swansea during March, giving young people and adults with sight loss to try a range of accessible sports. [Full story...]

Volunteer opportunity with Sight Cymru in Monmouth

Sight Cymru are looking for a volunteer to support their new Monmouth VI Group, starting in April. [Full story...]

Invitation to take part in research on Visual Imagination and Sight Impairment

Researchers at Cardiff University are conducting an online study to explore visual imagination in people with sight impairment. This research aims to better understand why some individuals experience visual hallucinations (Charles Bonnet Syndrome) after sight loss. [Full story...]

Nystagmus Network launch essay prize to encourage research

Nystagmus Network has launched the Richard Wilson Essay Prize 2025, an annual competition to encourage more nystagmus research. The competition is open to to students of all levels, from undergraduate to post-doctorate, in the fields of Ophthalmology, Optometry, Orthoptics or a visual related science, currently studying or working at UK institutions. [Full story...]

Join Sight Cymru as a Volunteer and Make a Difference!

Sight Cymru is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to support their Widening Vision Project. This vital initiative aims to raise awareness about preventing sight loss and promoting eye health in schools and communities across Mid Wales. [Full story...]

Access to Politics Grassroots Network

The Access to Politics Grassroots Network seeks to address the critical need for politics to be more inclusive and representative of Deaf and disabled people, and will further the vital work undertaken in the Access to Elected Office Fund Wales in the run up to the 2021 Senedd and 2022 Local Government Elections. [Full story...]

VIEW Courses for education professionals and parents

VIEW (The Professional Association for the Vision Impairment Education Workforce) has a number of online courses designed to support the training needs of professionals and parents to improve the quality of learning opportunities available to children and young people with vision impairment. [Full story...]

VICTA and ONCE Spanish/English Language Sessions 2024/25

VICTA is joining with Spanish sight loss organisation ONCE to offer young people with sight loss the opportunity to practice their Spanish in three online sessions starting in November. [Full story...]

UCAN launch new Welsh drama group

UCAN Productions has launched a new Welsh drama group. [Full story...]

Sense 'Virtual Buddy' service for disabled people

Sense runs a free 'Virtual Buddy' service for disabled people of all ages in the UK. The service will match you with someone of a similar age who has common interests, for a weekly chat (via phone, online etc). Volunteer virtual buddies are also needed. [Full story...]

Nystagmus Network launch new Facebook group for grandparents

Nystagmus Network's new Facebook group for grandparents is an opportunity to meet other 'nystagmus' grandparents, learn more about the condition and how to support your family. [Full story...]

Volunteering opportunities with Vision Support - Phone Befriender

Vision Support is looking for volunteers in Wales to have weekly, friendly phone chats with individuals who may be feeling socially isolated. [Full story...]

LOOK Mentoring Service

Young people who are feeling anxious about moving to a new school or to university can be helped by LOOK's Mentoring Service. [Full story...]

Monthly bowling sessions at Dwygyfylchi Bowls Club, Penmaenmawr

Following a recent, successful taster session at Dwygyfylchi Bowls Club, Penmaenmawr, Vision Support is to start running monthly vision impaired bowling sessions at this venue. [Full story...]

Sighted Guide Training from Guide Dogs

Guide Dogs runs free, online courses that will teach you how to guide an adult with sight loss with confidence, skill and empathy. This year, the charity putting more resources into these sessions, with the aim of making sighted guiding skills as widespread and well-known as first aid. [Full story...]

British Wireless for the Blind Fund launches scheme to provide free Alexa devices

British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) has launched a new scheme to provide a free Alexa device to people with sight loss who meet certain criteria. [Full story...]

Other resources.

Preparing for exams - Advice from sight loss organisations

As the exam season approaches, some sight loss organisations have advice for students and their parents about how to prepare for this stressful time. [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...]

New website for British Wireless for the Blind Fund

The website of British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) has been redesigned to ensure it is user-friendly to someone living with sight loss. [Full story...]

The Partially Sighted Society website gets a new look

The website of The Partially Sighted Society has been redesigned to give improved accessibility, a fresh, modern design and enhanced resources. [Full story...]

Coming to terms with sight loss - Advice from the Macular Society

The Macular Society's Counselling Team has advice for anyone who has been diagnosed with macular disease. which highlights the emotional challenges many face and offers guidance on how to overcome them. [Full story...]

New resources on Charles Bonnet Syndrome released on CBS Awareness Day 2024

Esme's Umbrella, the charity raising awareness of Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS), has marked their annual CBS Awareness Day on 16th November by launching a webpage for children and young people, and a short film. [Full story...]

Warm Welcome Spaces in venues across Wales

If you are struggling to heat your home this winter, Warm Welcome Spaces open their doors to their local communities, offering everyone a free, warm, welcoming and friendly space, and can be found in locations across Wales. [Full story...]

Contact's 'Building Resilience' project for families in Wales

Following the recent announcement that Contact Wales, the organisation for families with disabled children, has been given a half-million-pound award from the National Lottery Community Fund to deliver a new project, Building Resilience, appointments can now be made. [Full story...]

Sight Loss Friendly Churches - Information from Torch Trust

Torch Trust, the Christian sight loss charity, has a range of resources to help churches to become more inclusive of people with vision impairment. They also have a webpage which enables you to search for a sight loss friendly church in your area. [Full story...]

Family Fund's 'Discover More Support' tool

The Family Fund's website includes a section where families with a disabled or seriously ill child can look for charities and organisations that can help them. [Full story...]

Vision Support Counselling Service

Vision Support's new counselling service is now available for service users who are experiencing visual impairment or sight loss in North Wales. [Full story...]

50/50 Vision marks fifty years of Radio 4's 'In Touch' programme

A programme on the BBC iPlayer titled 50/50 Vision marks fifty years of Radio 4's In Touch programme for vision impaired people. [Full story...]

Understanding the the role of the ECLO

In a recent Macular Society webinar, Ruth Rhydderch, an eye clinic liaison officer (ECLO) at the University Hospital of Wales, explains her role, and how it helps patients understand their eye condition and the support that's available. The session is available to watch on the Macular Society website. [Full story...]

British Blind Sport launches new podcast

'Let's Talk VI Sport' is a new podcast series from British Blind Sport. [Full story...]

Alström Syndrome UK to pilot a Wellbeing Service

Alström Syndrome UK is piloting a Wellbeing Service. This follows research which revealed the impact that a diagnosis of a rare condition can have on the physical, mental and emotional health of the person with the condition, and their family. [Full story...]

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

For Mental Health Awareness Week (13th to 19th May), we have a summary of some of the resources and support that are available to help people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Care and Repair Cymru launch 'Older not Colder' service

'Older not colder' is a new service from Care and Repair Cymru which aims to help people aged over 60, who own their home or privately rent, to keep their homes warm and energy efficient. [Full story...]

Sight Loss resources from Blind Veterans UK

The website of Blind Veterans UK includes a wide range of sight loss resources, to help you with daily living tasks, hobbies and money matters. [Full story...]

Benefits and Finance - tips for parents from LOOK

LOOK has some advice on finance and benefits for the parents of children with a vision impairment, based on information provided at a meeting of their Parent Support Group. [Full story...]

Latest episodes of The Macular Society's Bitesize Benefits available.

In January 2024, The Macular Society launched a new podcast mini-series to provide information to people with sight loss about the benefits that they may be entitled to claim. Five episodes are now available, covering Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the Spring budget and what it means for people with sight loss, and the first of two episodes on Attendance Allowance. [Full story...]

Miscellaneous.

First hospital-based pre-registration optometrist in Wales approaches qualification

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has announced that Wales’ first hospital-based pre-registration optometrist has entered her final year of training to become a fully qualified optometrist, describing it as 'a groundbreaking milestone in NHS Wales' and a 'testament to the steps being taken to enhance patient care and provide specialised optometry services in hospital settings'. [Full story...]

Vision Support announces closure of the Community Information Service.

Vision Support has announced the closure of the Community Information Service, which provided information about products, services and support for vision impaired people to venues across Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy areas (as well as Cheshire & Halton). [Full story...]

Closure of Blind Veterans UK's Llandudno Centre

The Blind Veterans UK centre in Llandudno has closed following a comprehensive strategic review of the charity's operations and financial sustainability. [Full story...]

Deafblind UK launches new support for children and young people

Deafblind UK's brand-new service supports children and young people who are affected by sight and hearing loss, as well as their families and schools. [Full story...]

Welsh Senedd Health and Social Care Committee reviews opthalmology services

A meeting of the Senedd's Health and Social Care Committee on 20th March included a number of evidence sessions on the performance of opthalmology services in Wales. [Full story...]

Domiciliary urgent eye care

A recent article in 'Optometry Today' describes how patients in Wales who receive domiciliary eye care can now also receive urgent care at home, following changes to the way that eye care is provided. [Full story...]

Increase to eye care funding confirmed in Wales

The Welsh Government has announced the successful completion of optometry contract negotiations with NHS Wales and Optometry Wales for 2024/25. This will provide an additional £3.9m to support the funding of optometry services in Wales. [Full story...]

TPT Student Support Service expanded to younger children

The Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) has joined with Guide Dogs to extend TPT's Student Support Service to children from the ages of seven to eleven years. [Full story...]

Centre for Vision Services Research to be established in Wales

Health and Care Research Wales has announced Research Development Infrastructure funding to be used to establish a Centre for Vision Services in Wales. The Centre will be based at Cardiff University’s School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, and brings together researchers from Cardiff University, Swansea University, Bangor University and the University of South Wales. [Full story...]

New Deafblind UK research centre launched at Birmingham City University

Deafblind UK has announced the opening of their new Centre for Education and Research, at Birmingham City University. The Centre will advance understanding of deafblindness, develop innovative support solutions and nurture future specialists, to make the world a better place for people impacted by dual sensory loss. [Full story...]

'In Touch' interviews UK Government's Disability Minister

In the most recent edition of 'In Touch', the BBC Radio 4 programme for blind and partially sighted people, Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability in the UK Government, answers questions from the programme's listeners. [Full story...]

Specsavers launches awareness campaign in Wales

Specsavers is to launch a campaign in Wales to raise awareness that your local optometry practice should be the first port of call if you experience any eye problems. [Full story...]

More radio stations available for users of BWBF's Speech Radio app

Users of British Wireless for the Blind Fund's Speech Radio app will have access to 70,000 radio stations following a team up with audio content aggregator airable. [Full story...]

New partnership between RNIB and Motability to explore how journeys can be improved for people with sight loss

RNIB and transport accessibility charity Motability Foundation have announced a new partnership, which will explore innovative ways of making journeys better for people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Welshpool & District VI Group

Welshpool & District VI Group is a social and entertainment group for persons who are vision impaired and their carers. Meetings are held every fortnight from the first Tuesday in February to the end of December at the Methodist Church in Welshpool. [Full story...]

Support from Visual Impairment Breconshire

Visual Impairment Breconshire (VIB) provides a range of support for people with sight loss in south Powys. [Full story...]

Guide Dogs stops running the My Sighted Guide service

Guide Dogs has stopped running the My Sighted Guide service, which matched volunteers with users. [Full story...]

Sight Cymru the chosen charity of the Mayor of Abergavenny

Abergavenny's Mayor, Chris Holland has selected Sight Cymru as one of his chosen charities. [Full story...]

Are you eligible for Pension Credit?

From this winter the Winter Fuel Payment will be linked to the receipt of specific means-tested benefits. As such, for many older people in Wales, Pension Credit will be the key to accessing their entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment. [Full story...]

Patients in Wales receive CVI from their local optometrist

Following the introduction of a new optometry contract in Wales, 101 patients have been given a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) from their local optometrist, rather than having to visit a hospital. [Full story...]

New Macular Society Group Launch in the Rhondda

The Macular Society has launched a new face-to-face peer support group at Treorchy Library. [Full story...]

Advice for eye injections from the Macular Society

Being told that you need to have an eye injection as part of your treatment can be worrying, but an article on the Macular Society website has some useful advice. [Full story...]

Deafblind UK expands services for people with Usher Syndrome

Deafblind UK has announced that it is expanding its services for people impacted by Usher syndrome, including those who have previously been supported by Sense. As part of this expansion, the Sense Usher team and their service users, have transferred to Deafblind UK. [Full story...]

Wales Low Vision Service change of phone number

If you already have a vision impairment or low vision, an optometrist can help you make the best use of the sight you have. [Full story...]

Diabetes Week 2024: 10th to 16th June

Diabetes Week (10th-16th June) is the event which raises awareness of the condition, which can lead to sight loss. This year, Diabetes UK is highlighting how important it is for people to get all their diabetes health checks, including diabetic eye checks. [Full story...]