Unique guide to services for people with sight loss is launched

A unique directory of the sources of help available to blind and partially-sighted adults and children across the UK has been published by Guide Dogs, to support the UK Vision Strategy.

The guide gives blind and partially-sighted people, and their families and carers, a way to quickly and easily find out what social, health and rehabilitation services, and support from voluntary groups, is available in their area. Organisations and professionals who support people with sight loss can also use it to signpost their clients to helpful services.

Available to access online through Guide Dogs’ website here, the guide enables people to reach the information and contact details they need in just a few clicks. It is published in sections by country of the UK, with data organised alphabetically by region, and hyperlinked contents pages. It will also be available on CD Rom.

The Guide to Services firmly supports Guide Dogs’ new strategy, centred on the mobility journey – empowering blind and partially-sighted people to get where they want to be.

Bridget Warr, Guide Dogs’ chief executive, explains: “The 'journey' through sight loss can be difficult and frustrating. The anxiety and loss of confidence many people experience around the time of diagnosis can prevent them 'moving on' to live a full, independent life. Knowing what support is available, and how to access it, can make all the difference. This guide aims to improve awareness of and access to services – and therefore outcomes for individuals.”

Guide Dogs commissioned this Guide to Services as part of our commitment and contribution to the UK Vision Strategy, which has three aims: to improve eye health in the UK; to eliminate avoidable sight loss; and to ensure blind and partially-sighted people are integrated in all aspects of society.