Our work.
About Wales Council of the Blind
"I have found all my contacts with WCB over the years to be so useful and professional." - Rehabilitation Officer for VI.
Wales Council of the Blind is the umbrella agency representing vision impairment within Wales. We work to campaign, lobby and support the improvement of services for people with sight loss. WCB provides a platform vision impaired people to raise their concerns and wishes.
WCB's Articles of Association sets out a way of letting their members contribute to setting priorities and work streams. An important part of the new structure is the creation of Regional Steering Groups to inform WCB's work. The four new Regional Steering Groups will be established across Wales, covering North, West, South East and South Central.
Each group intends to offer a platform for local clubs, charities, statutory services and people with sight loss to get together and contribute to directing the work and resources of WCB. It's likely that priorities may vary from region to region, and we want that to be reflected in the work of WCB.
WCB's Board of Trustees will include four representatives - one nominated from each of the four regional steering groups - to bring the views of the regions to the table.
What does Wales Council of the Blind do?
- We work to assist the Welsh Government by participating in and facilitating consultation
- keep in touch with what is happening in every area in Wales and in the U.K.
- We highlight examples of good practice and distribute this to the eyecare sector through our SYLW newsletter, e-bulletins, quarterly 'Round-Up' Magazine, and our professional networks
- bring people together to exchange information and ideas
- identify gaps in provision
- encourage the development of new services where necessary
- support and assist other agencies to provide a good service
- represent v.i. within Wales and at an all-Wales level
- represent v.i. in Wales at a U.K. level
Latest WCB news.
Award for 'Eight Voices in Darkness' installation
The installation 'Eight Voices in Darkness', created by Wales Council of the Blind's Richard Bowers, in partnership with Dr Claire Nollett and Sight Life, was a winner in the recent Health and Care Research Wales National Awards 2026.
The installation was produced as part of a project to evaluate the feasibility and value of an arts-based approach as a method for involving blind and partially sighted individuals in health and care research, and won the Public Involvement Award which recognises individuals and projects that demonstrate outstanding public involvement in health and care research. You can find out more here.
Annual Wales Eyecare Conference 2026 - Programme now available
The Annual Wales Eyecare Conference is now fully booked, but you can still apply and will be added to a waiting list. The event will be held on Tuesday 10th November from 10 am to 4 pm at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. This year's conference looks at the various pathways between health, social care and third sector support for people with sight loss. It brings together health and social care professionals, third sector workers, education specialists, Welsh Government representatives, and people with lived experience.
You can add your name to the waiting list using the online form here . If you are unable to book online, please ring 029 20 473954.
The Programme of the Day is now available and can be viewed here. Parking is available in limited numbers at the venue. Priority will be given to those with access needs. If you would like to add your name to the list for consideration, email conference@wcb-ccd.org.uk with your car registration and the reason for requesting a space. There are also pay-and-display spaces within a five minute walk.
Sight Loss Council Cymru - Local Action Group Meetings
Local Action Group meetings have been scheduled, details as follows:
- Powys LAG. Wednesday 7th October 2026, from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells. Theme: The built environment, pedestrian crossings and tactile paving
- Aneurin Bevan LAG. Friday 9th October 2026 at Cwmbran Library, from 10 am to 12 pm and Caerphilly Library, from 2:15 pm to 4:15 pm. These introductory meetings will provide an opportunity to learn about Sight Loss Council Cymru and tell us what matters in your local area.
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg LAG, Wednesday 14th October 2026, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm at Pontypridd Museum, Pontypridd. Theme: Access to health
- Swansea Bay LAG. Tuesday 20th October 2026, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm at The Collaboration Station, St David’s Place, Swansea. Theme: Transport.
- Cardiff and the Vale. Thursday 22nd October 2026 from 10.30am to 2.30pm at Sight Life offices, Womanby Street, Cardiff, Theme: Introducing the Sight Loss Council and the Local Action Group and explore what is important to blind and partially sighted people locally.
- Betsi Cadwaladr LAG. Friday 11th December 2026 from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Theme: Empowerment and local authority equality duties.
Remembering Alun Griffith, Sight Loss Council Cymru representative for the Betsi Cadwaladr region.
We are saddened to share the news that Alun Griffith, Sight Loss Council Cymru representative for the Betsi Cadwaladr region, passed away at home last Tuesday evening.
Alan was deeply committed to supporting others and making a positive difference, including through his involvement in bus driver workshops with North Wales Society and other local events. He will be remembered for his kindness, dedication and willingness to contribute wherever he could. Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with his brother Hywel and all of Alan’s family at this very difficult time.
'Eight Voices in Darkness' installation by WCB's very own Richard Bowers
WCB's own Richard Bowers is featured in a report on involving people with lived experience in arts-based dissemination.
His installation 'Eight Voices in Darkness', created in partnership with Dr. Claire Nollett, is the subject of the article in the journal. You can read it the full article here
Commonwealth Games Bronze medal for Wales bowlers
Many congratulations to Wales' Para-mixed bowls B2-B3 pair Julie Thomas and Steffan James, aided by directors Jamie Jones and John Wilson, winners of the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Wales Council of the Blind is especially delighted that Julie Thomas, one of our trustees, is part of such an inspiring sporting achievement. Her dedication, determination and resilience continues to be an inspiration to us all. Julie's guide dog Yoko is a key member of Team Cymru and joined Julie on the podium. You can read more about the team's success here.
You can watch the moment when Julie was presented with a special shirt for Yoko to wear at the closing ceremony, including the dog's name in braille, in a video on the BBC website.
Sight Loss Councils Conference 2026 - Small Changes, Big Impact
Members of the newly launched Wales Sight Loss Council were delighted to join the Sight Loss Councils Conference for the first time to celebrate achievement, share ideas and explore how lived experience continues to influence services, challenge perceptions and improve accessibility.
You can find out more about the conference here. If you want to be involved and or want a chat about Sight Loss Council Cymru, please contact Anita Davies, WCB's Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager on either anita@wcb-ccd.org.uk or ring her on 02920 473954.
Sight Loss Council Cymru information
The Sight Loss Council's website now includes information about their group covering Wales - Sight Loss Council Cymru.
You can access the information for Wales here. For general information about the role of SLCs, latest campaigns and to sign up for their newsletter, click here.