Every day, almost 100 people in the UK will start to lose their sight. RNIB are helping people who have lost their sight find their life again.
RNIB's top five achievements of 2007/08
1. Supporting over a quarter of a million people every month
Over 280,000 people came to RNIB each month for general information on sight loss, to lend their voices to our campaigns and for expert advice, support and everyday products designed for living with sight loss.
2. Improving access to information
Audio description has increased, meaning that more people can experience the fun, information and education of television - as well as helping to reduce isolation and improve equality in everyday life. However, blind and partially sighted children and adults are still missing out on vital information which sighted people take for granted. RNIB is continuing to push to put this right.
3. Increasing emotional support
More people than ever feel that they are not alone now that they telephone RNIB's award-winning service, Talk and Support. They can also attend short courses, tune into lively debate on RNIB Insight Radio or read the tips and advice in RNIB's Vision magazine for Members.
4. Ensuring new sight-saving treatments are freely available on the NHS
Thanks to a campaign spearheaded by RNIB, an amazing 11,000 people signed a petition forcing NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) to take a U-turn. This was a key step on the way towards free access to new treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This will potentially save the sight of up to 19,000 people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland every year.
5. Leading the UK Vision Strategy on behalf of Vision 2020 UK
For the first time in UK history, under RNIB's leadership the whole sector has signed up to a common agenda to improve the eye health of the nation, prevent sight loss, improve the care of blind and partially sighted people and build a more inclusive society.
Hear more about how RNIB helps people with sight problems
RNIB's ambition is to create widespread and lasting change for people with sight problems. These videos tell the stories of some of those people:
Listen to what braille users say about how RNIB services have helped them:
Annual review and report
For more information about RNIB's achievements and progress in 2007/08, check out our annual review and report - available in a variety of accessible formats.