Author: Zeme Davey Ross

Yes, you can now, thanks to unique research from the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC). The research reveals the top ten washing machines which are the easiest for blind and partially sighted people to use. This washing machine information is available online and, on request, in Braille, please phone 0208 9950 880 if you require this. It is also available over the phone as an audio recording for the cost of phoning a landline. Dial 0330 223 53 55 and follow the instructions. With funding from Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT), RiDC ran a workshop with blind and partially...

Vision UK is pleased to announce that their CEO Matt Broom was given the Freedom of the City of London at a ceremony at Guildhall, London on 10 June 2019. For that day at least, he became their youngest Freeman! Vision UK is the independent partnership organisation which works with organisations in the eye health, sight loss sector and beyond for the benefit of blind and partially sighted people, their communities and the general population including those at risk of sight loss. Matt Broom joined VISION 2020 UK on 2011 to implement the organisation’s strategic plans and operations. He was...

London Vision has pledged to work collaboratively with governing bodies, other charity sectors and Transport for London to improve services across London, in line with their objectives. The Department for Transport will be launching a campaign that aims to create a supportive travelling experience for disabled people when using public transport. Disabled people face many barriers but the ability to travel should not be one of them. On 8 May 2019, Bhavini Makwana joined over 100 guests at the Inclusive Transport Reception hosted by Nusrat Ghani MP, Accessibility Minister at the Department for Transport. Bhavini joined Members of Parliament, Peers,...

Last week, we hosted a roundtable event with Chris Skidmore, Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation in partnership with the University of Birmingham. During this event the minister heard powerful accounts from students with vision impairment about the difficulties they faced with Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) and their wider experience of university. We are delighted that the Minister made a commitment to support students with vision impairment in the future. Chris Skidmore MP, Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation visited the University of Birmingham to take part in a roundtable discussion to hear...

Patients with low vision are benefiting from an initiative developed by Visualise Training and Consultancy, and funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust. Seeing Beyond the Eyes, an initiative launched in May 2018 to forge stronger connections between the sight loss and optical sectors for the benefit of patients, has released its first impact report. The project benefits patients by connecting the optical and sight loss sectors, and has trained over 2,200 delegates since its launch. It aims to increase awareness of, and referrals to, local and national sight loss organisations and promote inclusivity across all eye care services for people...

It is announced that Peter Corbett, Chief Executive, Thomas Pocklington Trust, is to take retirement and stand down from his position. Pocklington’s Chair of Trustees, Rodney Powell, said: “The Trustees and I want to thank Peter sincerely for his work with Pocklington. Under his stewardship, Pocklington has contributed significantly to the lives of many visually impaired people and introduced many new initiatives. We are extremely grateful to him and wish him a very happy retirement.” Arrangements for the appointment of Peter’s successor are in hand and we hope to make further announcement regarding these plans...

London Vision’s 2019 strategy to strengthen the service provision for blind and partially sighted people across London. 2019 will see London Vision establish itself as the first sight loss organisation dedicated to serving blind and partially sighted people across all of London’s 32 boroughs. London Vision is focused on strengthening the capital’s sight loss community and striving to ensure that blind and partially sighted people living, working and studying in London are able to access equal opportunities. London Vision will work to increase awareness of the issues facing blind and partially sighted people and foster a better networked sight...

On Monday, the NHS published its anticipated Long Term Plan. There is much to be welcomed, as well as a note of caution, as we await the outcome of Brexit and the promised Green Paper on Social Care. We welcome the NHS’ ambition to be more joined-up and coordinated in its care. We hear far too often from blind and partially sighted people about the barriers they face when transitioning between primary care, secondary care and social care. Many do not currently receive the support they need when they need it, including vision rehabilitation. This can mean people risk...