Sylw - the bulletin of Wales Council of the Blind.

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Contents.

WCB News.

Christmas Greetings

Wales Council of the Blind would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy New Year. [Full story...]

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...]

Wales Eyecare Conference 2024 - Presentations available

Copies of presentations given at the Wales Eyecare Conference 2024 on 7th November are now available on the conference website. [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...]

Researching Unpaid Carers.

WCB is initiating research into the experiences of unpaid carers for people with vision impairments and of the people they support. [Full story...]

Consultations and Lobbying.

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...]

Cardiff Council consultation on Bus Priority Strategy

Cardiff Council is concerned that fewer people are using bus services than before the pandemic, and has produced a strategy that sets out how it will deliver key changes to help bus operators to run higher quality bus services, and encourage more people to choose bus travel. [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...]

RNIB Connect Voices survey for adults with sight loss

RNIB is asking adults with sight loss to complete a survey on their experiences of getting around, personal safety, employment, relationships and for female participants, motherhood. [Full story...]

Contact your Police and Crime Commissioner about e-scooter use

The increasing illegal presence of e-scooters in public spaces is creating a hazard for vision impaired people and other pedestrians. Guide Dogs is asking anyone who is concerned about this to contact their Police and Crime Commissioner. [Full story...]

Welsh Government Consultations

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

Macular Society survey for people receiving anti-VEGF injections

If you have been receiving anti-VEGF injections for macular disease in the past five years, the Macular Society would like to hear about your experiences. [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...]

Survey on accessibility of technology for the management of diabetes

A research project at Swansea University is looking at the accessibility of technology to manage diabetes in people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Reports and Publications.

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...]

Coping with Christmas when you have sight loss

The Macular Society has some practical tips for people with sight loss on how to cope with the many challenges that they face at Christmas. [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...]

'The Joy Makers' Guide': Making Christmas accessible for vision impaired children

RNIB's 'Joy Makers' Guide' is filled with tips and advice for making sure that children with sight loss have the best possible Christmas. [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...]

Top Autumn / Winter Tips for People with Sight Loss from Henshaws

As the clocks go back and winter arrives, many people with sight loss feel the impact of darker mornings and evenings. A blog on the Henshaw's website has advice to help you adapt to the change of season. [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...]

Summer 2024 edition of MACS Focus Magazine available

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

Latest issue of Retina UK's newsletter available

The Summer 2024 issue of 'Look Forward', the newsletter of Retina UK, is available. [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...]

Transitioning to secondary school - advice from RSBC

Moving from primary to secondary school is a big change for children, particularly those with a vision impairment. The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) has some useful advice for children and their families to help them cope with the change. [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...]

Latest Vision Support newsletter available

The latest (June) newsletter from Vision Support has been published. [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...]

RNIB Cymru publish key priorities for new First Minister

Following the appointment of Vaughan Gething as First Minister of Wales and the formation of a new cabinet, RNIB has called on the Government to address the most urgent issues facing vision impaired people in Wales. [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...]

'Right to Ride' - New guide from SCOPE

SCOPE has produced a guide for disabled people, 'Right to Ride' which describes your rights when travelling on land-based public transport in the UK. [Full story...]

Vision Foundation report explores loneliness and isolation in people with sight loss.

'Outside: Loneliness and Isolation', a new report from Vision Foundation, considers vision impaired people's experience of loneliness and isolation, and finds that respondents to their survey were three times more likely to report feeling lonely some or all the time than the general population. [Full story...]

Living Streets publish research report on 'Inclusive Design at Bus Stops with Cycle Tracks'

Living Streets, the charity that promotes a better walking environment, has published a very detailed research paper on the effects of ‘bus stop bypasses’, and other arrangements involving a bus stop and cycle track, on pedestrians. The report has a particular focus on the challenges that they present to people with vision impairment. [Full story...]

RNIB Cymru report reveals 'The Cost of Sight Loss in Wales'

A new report from RNIB Cymru reveals how the cost of living increases have had a devastating effect on people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Digital exclusion in public transport - Senedd research article

An article by Senedd Research (which provides impartial, authoritative information on the latest topics under consideration at the Welsh Parliament) raises concerns that the increasing use of digital technology in the transport sector, which is often seen as a solution, is making transport systems less accessible to many people in Wales. [Full story...]

Older People's Commissioner reports on difficulties in accessing GP appointments

The Older People's Commissioner for Wales has produced a report which reveals that changes to the way that GP services in Wales are accessed, and the changing relationships between patients and their practices often make it difficult for older people to find suitable appointments with an appropriate clinician. [Full story...]

'Blind to the Facts' - Research report on the UK music industry for professionals with visual impairment

A new research report from BRAVO VICTOR sheds light on the challenges faced by blind people within the music industry. [Full story...]

Research report: How does the UK public treat, think and feel about people with visual impairment?

Research and innovation charity BRAVO VICTOR has produced a report that looks at the UK public's attitude to vision impaired people, and how it compares with the experiences of those people. The research was carried out in close collaboration with RNIB. [Full story...]

'Out of Sight' - RNIB report on vision rehabilitation on England

A new report by RNIB raises concerns about state of the rehabilitation service in England, with blind and partially sighted people missing out on services that they are legally entitled to, which could improve their quality of life. [Full story...]

Guide Dogs produce 'Reasonable Adjustments in Schools' guidance

Guide Dogs has produced a set of guidelines to help schools & teachers to support children & young people with a vision impairment in education. [Full story...]

Gwent Health Guide

The Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has produced an online resource, The Gwent Health Guide, giving people in their area (Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen and South Powys) advice on where to find the right health and wellbeing service. [Full story...]

UK Government launches 'Disability Action Plan'

The UK Government has launched its Disability Action Plan, which sets out 32 practical actions intended to transform the everyday lives of disabled people. [Full story...]

New report: Access Denied: Older people’s experiences of digital exclusion in Wales

The Older People's Commissioner for Wales has published a report which looks at the the wide range of challenges older people often face with digital technology while trying to use everyday services. [Full story...]

Vision Support publishes Impact Report for 2022/23

Vision Support has published its Impact Report for 2022/23, covering its work in North East Wales, Halton and Cheshire. [Full story...]

Welsh Benefits Charter launched

The Welsh Government has launched the 'Welsh Benefits Charter', an agreement with all 22 local authorities to work together to improve the Welsh Benefits System. [Full story...]

New resource : A guide to nystagmus and the early years

Nystagmus Network has launched a new guide for parents and carers of babies and toddlers diagnosed with nystagmus, designed to support you through the crucial years from birth to five years. [Full story...]

New research report: Visual impairment and minority ethnic communities - use of eye health and support services

Research and innovation charity BRAVO VICTOR has produced a second report on visual impairment and minority ethnic communities, looking at use of eye health and support services. [Full story...]

Alström Syndrome UK's winter newsletter available

The latest edition of Alström Syndrome UK's newsletter, for Winter 2023, has been published. [Full story...]

Access.

Audio described tours at the National Museum in Cardiff

Two further audio described (AD) tours for visitors with sight loss are to be given at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. [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...]

There's still time to request an email letter from Santa!

Although the deadline to ask for a letter from Santa for a child with vision impairment in braille, large print and audio has passed, there is still time to request a letter via email. [Full story...]

Goalball sessions in Wrexham

The next goalball session in Wrexham has been booked for Saturday 30th November from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at Clywedog School on Ruthin Road (LL13 7UB). [Full story...]

M&S Christmas Food magazine available in accessible formats

RNIB has teamed up with Marks and Spencer to produce Braille and audio versions of their Christmas Food Magazine. [Full story...]

Audio Described Christmas shows in Wales

This winter, several theatres in Wales are providing audio described performances of their pantomimes and Christmas shows. [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...]

Audio described commentary at Wrexham and Cardiff City Football Clubs

The 2024/25 football season is starting, and both Cardiff City FC and Wrexham FC will be providing audio described commentary at their home matches. The service is provided in partnership with Alan March Sport Ltd, and is available to both home and away fans. [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...]

UK Government announces new funding for bus operators to help disabled passengers travel with confidence

The Department for Transport in the UK Government has announced that almost £5 million is being made available to roll out audible and visual announcements on buses throughout Great Britain. [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...]

Conwy Home Library Service

Conwy has a Home Library Service that delivers books and information to the homes of people that are unable to visit their local library, including Large Print books and audio books. [Full story...]

Pilot project in Wales considers how tactile maps can help independent travel

A recent pilot project involving Sustrans and the Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, has looked at new ways of engaging people with visual impairments by exploring the use of 3D printing and tactile maps to support independent travel and navigation in Wales. [Full story...]

Wales Online highlights the obstacles facing blind pedestrians in Cardiff City Centre

A reporter from Wales Online accompanied RNIB Cymru's campaigns assistant Dan, who is registered blind, on a walk through Cardiff city centre to find out about the obstacles he faces every day. [Full story...]

'Be My Eyes' app introduces new feature for friends and families

'Be My Eyes', the app that connects blind and partially sighted people with sighted volunteers from all over the world through a live video call in order to provide assistance, has launched a new feature, 'Be My Eyes Groups'. [Full story...]

Events.

Vision Support Community Information Unit schedule for January 2025

Vision Support's mobile Community Information Unit, which covers the Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy areas (as well as Cheshire & Halton) will be out and about during January. [Full story...]

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

Vika's FUN-tastic Friday, New College Worcester's online club for young people aged 9 to 15 with vision impairment, returns in January 2025. [Full story...]

Free Contact workshops: Money Matters Workshop for Parent Carers in Wales

As part of its Building Resilience project, Contact is running a series of free, online workshops for parent carers with a disabled child living in Wales. [Full story...]

Sight Village to return to Wales in 2025

The 2025 schedule for Sight Village, the free exhibition for people with sight loss, their families and professionals has been announced, and includes a return visit to Cardiff. [Full story...]

Albinism Fellowship - New Parents Evenings

Following the event in December, The Albinism Fellowship has scheduled further online events for parents with a child with a new diagnosis of albinism or a toddler under three 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 31st January, giving prospective students, their families and professionals working with young people with a visual impairment the opportunity to find out about study at this specialist residential college of further education for young people with sight loss. [Full story...]

Building Resilience: Well-being Workshops for Parent Carers in Wales

Contact is to run an eight-week workshop programme for parents with a disabled child living in Wales. The 'Building Resilience' workshops are designed help parent carers recognise their individual strengths, build confidence and share knowledge and experience whilst receiving support. [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...]

Retina UK webinars in January and February

Retina UK has two webinars scheduled in early 2025. [Full story...]

Goalball sessions in Cardiff and Carmarthen

Further goalball sessions are planned in Cardiff and Carmarthen. [Full story...]

The Welsh Parliament/Senedd Cymru event to mark the International Day of Disabled People 2024

Senedd Cymru will mark the International Day of Disabled People on Tuesday 3rd December with an event to reflect on this year's theme "Amplifying the leadership of disabled people for an inclusive and sustainable future”. [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...]

Vision Support Community Information Unit schedule for December

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...]

Retina UK Webinar - 'Ask the Expert'

The next Retina UK webinar, on 17th December, is an Ask the Expert session with Dr Roly Megaw who is currently supervising a Retina UK/Macular Society PHD studentship and has received other Retina UK Research funding in the past. [Full story...]

New Retina UK Peer Support Group for parents and carers

Retina UK is starting a new online Peer Support Group for the parents and carers of children with an inherited retinal dystrophy. [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...]

Wrexham VI Voices group meeting

Vision Support's VI Voices group in Wrexham is an informal, supportive and friendly group who are passionate about raising awareness of the issues and barriers people living with vision impairment face by sharing their experiences to make a difference in the local community. [Full story...]

Insport Series events

Several Insport Series events are taking place in the next three months, giving children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to try a range of accessible sports. [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...]

VIEW Annual Conference 2025

VIEW (The Professional Association for the Vision Impairment Education Workforce)'s 2025 Annual National Conference will be held on 13th and 14th March 2025 and brings together practitioners to share ideas for supporting the education and development of children and young people with vision impairment. [Full story...]

RNIB 'Living Well with Sight Loss' telephone courses for people in Wales

RNIB 'Living Well with Sight Loss' telephone courses for people in Wales [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...]

'No Dramas' - Free drama workshops for visually impaired people from Extant

Extant, a group of professional visually impaired artists, is delivering some free drama workshops in Hereford for adults with sight loss. [Full story...]

Falls Awareness Week 2024

16th September is the start of Falls Awareness Week 2024 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...]

Blind Ambition Working Age Forum

On the second Wednesday of every month, 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. [Full story...]

National Eye Health Week 2024 - Themes announced

This year's National Eye Health Week is 23rd to 29th September, The event promotes the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all. Each day will have a theme, to raise awareness of different aspects of eye care and this year's themes have been announced. [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...]

Vision Support 'Talking Points' sessions in Corwen

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

RSBC Connecting Families Online Groups

The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) provides a range of groups for families and carers of vision impaired children and young people (aged 0-25 years). [Full story...]

Deafblind Awareness Week 2024

Deafblind Awareness Week (24th to 30th June) is all about learning about what life is like for those who are deafblind, and celebrating the achievements of people who are deafblind. [Full story...]

Glaucoma Awareness Week 2024

24th to 30th June is Glaucoma Awareness Week 2024, the annual opportunity to encourage people to talk about the condition. This year's event is focusing on the fact that glaucoma runs in families. [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...]

International Behçet’s Awareness Day

Monday 20th May 2024 was International Behçet’s Awareness Day, the event that raises awareness of this rare condition which can affect the eyes, and also raises funds for research. [Full story...]

World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week - 12th to 18th May 2024

World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week is the event that spreads the word about retinoblastoma (childhood eye cancer), and raises funds to support families affected by the condition. This year's event starts on Sunday 12th May. [Full story...]

RNIB 'Parent Pathways: First Steps' course

RNIB is running a telephone course for parents and carers who have recently received, or are going through the process of receiving, a diagnosis of vision impairment for their child. [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...]

RNIB 'Shape and Share' virtual events for families

RNIB run a series of virtual 'Shape and Share' events for children and young people with a vision impairment and their families. A schedule of events for the rest of 2024 and 2025 has been published. [Full story...]

Vision Support Tech Forum

Vision Support's 'Tech Forum' is for anyone living with a vision impairment who is interested in learning more about technology and what’s available to tech-enthusiasts. The group meets every third Wednesday of the month and the next meeting is on Wednesday, 20th November at 10.30 am. [Full story...]

Sense online and telephone activities

Sense, the organisation for people with complex disabilities, including deafblindness, runs a range of activities online and via the phone. [Full story...]

RNIB Cymru Open Doors, North Cardiff

RNIB Cymru has set up an afternoon social event in Llanishen for people with sight loss who want to get out and meet new friends. [Full story...]

Blind Baseball sessions in Cardiff and Swansea

Blind Baseball are running regular sessions in Cardiff and Swansea. [Full story...]

RNIB Connect Cymru Telephone Groups

There have been some changes to RNIB's Community Connection groups. [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...]

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...]

Royal Society for Blind Children's programme of activities

The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) invites all blind and partially sighted young people in Wales to be part of an awesome online learning community! Dive into exciting opportunities and connections by signing up for a mix of activities that will help you to unlock your potential. [Full story...]

Bridgevis Coffee Mornings

A reminder that Bridgevis (Bridgend & District VI Society) hosts a coffee morning on the first Friday of each month. [Full story...]

'My Macular and Me' webinars

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

New support group for people with early onset macular degeneration

The Macular Society is launching a new online support group for people with early onset macular degeneration. [Full story...]

Technology.

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...]

Research News

Retina UK has produced a roundup of the latest research into inherited retinal conditions, and BBC News has a report of a potential treatment for diabetic maculopathy. [Full story...]

Opportunities.

National Open Youth Orchestra rehearsals

The National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) is inviting young people aged 11 to 25 years who are interested in joining the ensemble to attend one of a series of rehearsals. It is an opportunity to find out more about the NOYO, where disabled and non-disabled musicians rehearse and perform together. [Full story...]

Free ticket to a Christmas experience for a VI child from VICTA

VICTA is offering a free ticket to a Christmas show for a child or young person (up to 17 years) with vision impairment. [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...]

Job Opportunity with Vision Support: Vision Rehabilitation Specialist

Vision Support is recruiting for a full time Vision Rehabilitation Specialist. The post is home based, with regular travel across Wrexham, and the requirement to work from the Council Offices and Vision Support offices on occasion. [Full story...]

LOOK Healthy Parent Carer Programme - Spring 2025

LOOK will be delivering another presentation of its course for parent carers of vision impaired children and young people in the spring. The Healthy Parent Carers programme improves the health and well-being by promoting empowerment, confidence, and buoyancy. [Full story...]

Sight Life 'Beautifully Blind' make-up tutorials are back

Sight Life is running another series of its popular 'Beautifully Blind' make-up tutorials. [Full story...]

New opportunities with Vision Support in North Wales

Vision Support is planning new activities in North Wales - let them know if you are interested in getting involved. [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...]

Opportunity to join The Macular Society's 'Lived Experience' Panel

The Macular Society is launching a new Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) to improve their services for people with macular disease, and those who support them. The Society is looking for volunteers who are living with macular disease, and their supporters to join the panel. [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...]

Excellence in Glaucoma Care Awards 2025 - nominations open

Nominations have opened for the annual Excellence in Glaucoma Care Awards, which recognise those working in the field of glaucoma that are making a difference to people with the condition. [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...]

Vision Support new accessible taster sessions in North Wales

Vision Support has been awarded a grant from the Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust to be able to deliver cycling and climbing taster sessions in North Wales with the first sessions planned for the coming months. [Full story...]

VI Bowls sessions starting at Islywn Indoor Bowls Club

Weekly vision impaired bowls sessions are starting on 10th April at Islywn Indoor Bowls Club. [Full story...]

Chance to join Retina UK's Lived Experience Panel

Retina UK is inviting people who are living with inherited sight loss to join their 'Lived Experience' panel. [Full story...]

Blind Baseball Cymru to provide more sessions in Wales

Blind Baseball Cymru are pleased to announce that, with some supportive funding, they are able to provide Blind Baseball sessions farther and wider in Wales! [Full story...]

Vision Impaired Tennis in Wrexham

Wrexham Tennis Centre is running weekly vision impaired tennis sessions [Full story...]

Other resources.

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...]

Sight Life has a new website

Sight Life (formerly known as Cardiff Institute for the Blind) the charity that offers a wide range of local services to support blind and partially sighted people across much of South Wales, has a new website. [Full story...]

Deafblind UK launches The Winter Wellness programme

Deafblind UK's new Winter Wellness programme, running from 28th October 2024 to 28th February 2025, offers extra support to keep people with sight and hearing loss healthy and connected through the winter. Services include extended helpline hours, extra holiday support, telephone and video groups, Christmas Day and Boxing Day calls, and winter befrienders. [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 launches new website

Vision Support, the charity that provides services for people with a vision impairment that aim to increase independence, wellbeing and reduce social isolation across North East Wales and Cheshire, has launched a new website. [Full story...]

Relaunch for Fight for Sight

Fight for Sight, the organisation that funds research into eye conditions, has relaunched with a new identity and a vision to 'Save Sight. Change Lives'. [Full story...]

LOOK's guide to 'Making the Most of the Summer Holidays'

LOOK has produced some information to help parents with a vision impaired child make the most of the summer holidays. [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...]

RNIB's Children and Family Services Team in Wales

RNIB's Children and Family Services Team provide a range of support, information and activities for families with a vision impaired child and professionals working with them. [Full story...]

Miscellaneous.

'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...]

UCAN member to feature in BBC's fundraiser for Children in Need

This year's BBC Children in Need fundraising appeal show on Friday 15th November will feature a performance by 16-year old Ethan from Bridgend, who has been supported by UCAN Productions. [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...]

Bafta Cymru award for Mared Jarman's documentary series on disability in Wales

Congratulations to actress Mared Jarman, whose series exploring the history of disability in Wales won the award for best Factual Series at the BAFTA Cymru awards. [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...]

Interview with Optometry Wales chair.

Craig MacKenzie, the Chair of Optometry Wales, has given an interview to Optometry Today, in which he talks about how the introduction of the new optometry contract in Wales is transforming services. [Full story...]

Macular Society partners with UK’s largest health research programme

The Macular Society has announced a new partnership with the health research programme 'Our Future Health'. [Full story...]

New Chief Executive for Optometry Wales

Judy Misra will be joining Optometry Wales as chief executive officer from 1st April 2024. [Full story...]

'What is it like being a vision impaired parent?' - A personal story

In a blog on the Vision Support website, the charity's North Wales Services Manager Nia writes about her personal experience of being a parent to twin boys. [Full story...]

Disability Wales to represent concerns of disabled people's organisations at Covid-19 Inquiry

The UK Public Enquiry will be in Cardiff from the week commencing 26th February for hearings about decision-making in Wales during the pandemic. Disability Wales will be giving evidence on the devastating impact of Covid-19 on disabled people. [Full story...]

Interview with Wales' Chief Optometric Advisor

Following the announcement that David O'Sullivan, Chief Optometric Advisor to the Welsh Government, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours for services to eye care, he has given a short interview to Optometry Today.. [Full story...]

New Macular Society Support Group for carers

The Macular Society is to set up a new online support group for caregivers and those supporting people living with macular disease. [Full story...]

England footballer raises awareness of Stargardt's disease

A recent edition of 'Access All', the BBC podcast about disability issues, features an interview with former England footballer Michael Owen and his son James who has Stargardt's disease. [Full story...]

The evolution of eye care delivery across Wales

In an interview on the Optometry Today website, Sharon Beatty, Clinical Adviser to Optometry Wales, reflects on changes to eye care services in Wales over the past 30 years, culminating in the introduction of Optometry Contract Reform in 2023/24. [Full story...]