In 2009, led by the views of our members and other blind and partially sighted people, we decided that for the five years from 2009 to 2014 we would focus on three important areas of work:
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stopping people losing their sight unnecessarily
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supporting people to lead independent lives
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making society a more inclusive place for blind and partially sighted people.
These three important areas of work are delivered through 11 ambitious goals where we intend to have the greatest positive impact on blind and partially sighted people's lives. These are:
Stopping people losing their sight unnecessarily
Goal 1: People most at risk have reduced rates of avoidable sight loss.
Goal 2: People diagnosed with sight-threatening conditions have the opportunity to receive proven and timely treatments.
Supporting independent living
Goal 3: Emotional and practical support is available for everyone losing their sight.
Goal 4: Blind and partially sighted people have access to person-centred support that assists independence.
Goal 5: Blind and partially sighted people in education achieve the same level and range of opportunities, and achieve the same outcomes as their sighted peers.
Goal 6: Blind and partially sighted people retain and gain employment.
Goal 7: Blind and partially sighted children and adults with additional complex needs maximise their potential.
Creating an inclusive society
Goal 8: More people are able to make journeys safely and independently.
Goal 9: More people can independently access books, magazines, newspapers, television and radio.
Goal 10: More people achieve independence through ICT and mobile technologies.
Goal 11: More people shop independently and have personal control of their money.
Our strategy is underpinned by six organisational commitments that describe our guiding ethos when delivering our work. These outline our commitment to putting the customer at the heart of our work, working with partners to create lasting change, mobilising volunteers, the importance of peer support, changing public attitudes towards sight loss and reaching out to all blind and partially sighted people.