Seeing it my way - we want your views

Every blind and partially sighted person in the UK should have the same range of information, advice and practical support. It sounds simple, but for the hundreds of thousands of people who live with sight loss in the UK, this is far from reality.

‘Seeing it my way’, endorsed by the UK Vision Strategy and has been launched by the sector. It will form the basis of a universal framework that, ultimately, will ensure that every blind or partially sighted person has access to the same range of information, advice and practical support. We want as many blind and partially sighted people as possible to give us feedback.

Currently, it’s a postcode lottery. When people begin to lose their sight they could be dealing with a range of healthcare professionals including opticians, GPs and hospital doctors. In some cases, these professionals can and do provide access to information and advice services but this is not the norm.

When people are certified as blind or partially sighted, the services they receive are also inconsistent. Local authorities should follow-up in a timely manner, and give people access to the practical and emotional help they need to make the adjustments to this life-changing event. In some areas, local authorities offer a wide range of services but others leave people waiting for months, sometimes years. There are still some areas where people don’t receive any support because their local authority isn’t in a position to respond. As local and national budgets are cut, this situation is only set to get worse.

It’s crucial that as many blind and partially sighted people as possible respond to ‘Seeing it my way’.  We want the final outcomes to truly reflect the needs of people living with sight loss and for them to tell us what is most important in terms of being able to live independently. ‘Seeing it my way’ will only succeed and set the scene for meaningful and long lasting change if it genuinely represents those voices.

‘Seeing it my way’ is launched against a background of austerity, government cuts and a growingly fragile economy. Ministers, politicians and decision makers are much more likely to take notice and act on if we can demonstrate the endorsement and support of a significant number of blind and partially sighted people.

One of the most exciting aspects of this project is that it is the result of collaboration by the sector. I don’t remember a time when there appeared to be such an appetite and willingness to work together to drive the outcomes of ‘Seeing it my way’ forward and wanting to make it a success. This is a far more powerful position upon which to drive change where it is really needed.

Blind and partially sighted people can take part in ‘Seeing it my way’ by completing the online survey or by calling Stephanie Village at the National Blind Children's Society on 01278 764 771 for a copy of the document or to give feedback by phone.

Alternatively, people can call Visionary on 01777 705299 to find out if a local society near them is holding a focus group that they can take part in. (Focus group surveys should be returned by post to 'freepost, UK Vision Strategy')’