We offer a range of professional development opportunities to encourage good practice when working with older people with who are blind and partially sighted, including those with complex needs.
RNIB also supports the work of specialist professional networks operating within the sight loss field.
Professional Networks
RNIB also supports professional network events relating to older people and sight loss.
Dementia and Sight Loss Interest Group (Vision 2020 UK)
The Vision 2020 UK Dementia and Sight Loss Interest Group (DaSLIG) is a network of professionals working across health, social care and the voluntary sector with an interest in the co-morbidity of sight loss and dementia. The group includes representatives from Alzheimer's Society, ARUP, Macular Disease Society, Thomas Pocklington Trust and RNIB.
The aim of the group is to improve the lives of people affected by dementia and sight loss. This includes developing and promoting a better understanding of the issues facing people affected by dementia and sight loss by presenting at events and seeking publications in relevant journals; collating, developing and sharing information and good practice; Supporting and influencing initiatives around dementia and sight loss, through joint working and research.
For further information and to join the Dementia and Sight loss Interest Group, visit: www.vision2020uk.org.uk and click "Interest Groups and committees".
Early Intervention Support Network (EISN)
RNIB has launched the Early Intervention Support Network (EISN) for eye clinic staff
The Early Intervention Support Network (EISN) is an online network, established to support staff working within eye clinic settings, providing front line services to newly-diagnosed blind and partially sighted people including those diagnosed with a sight threatening condition. The aim of the network is to create a community of those working within eye clinics across the UK, for peer support, development and dissemination of best practice, problem solving, sharing ideas, experiences and resources.
We hope this network will be a useful tool in helping those working within eye clinics to support each other in offering advice, guidance and resources to colleagues across the UK!
To find out more or subscribe visit www.rnib.org.uk/eisn or email us at eisnetwork@rnib.org.uk.
External Events
15 May 2013 - See and Hear Exhibition 2013
See and Hear Exhibition will be held this year at Shrewsbury Sports Village, Sundorne Road, Shrewsbury SY1 4RQ on Wednesday 15th May 2013 between 10am and 4pm.
It will showcase products and services relating to sight and hearing loss and there will be special presentations including the Bionic Ear Show, Sensory Tunnel and a complimentary Eye Screening by Shropshire Local Optical Committee.
BSL & Deafblind Interpreters will be available, café and lunch facilities and there is a free Shuttle Bus every half hour from Shrewsbury Train Station.
For the full story please go to See & Hear Webpage.
18 May - Theatre visit - audio described!
You may know or work with someone who is blind or partially sighted who likes the theatres and especially musicals. Why not tell them about Singin' in the Rain at London's Palace Theatre on Saturday 18 May where there is a special Saturday matinee audio described!
This hit show showers you with everything you could ever wish for in a London musical and leaves you singin' and dancing' all the way home. Based on the MGM film, the spectacular production uses and recycles 14,000 litres of water at each performance.
Singin' in the Rain will be audio described by Irene Richards at 14.30 on Saturday May 18th. Irene has specialised in musical theatre for a decade, covering many West End shows.
To book call 0844 482 9677 or email access@nimaxtheatres.com
22 May 2013 - Primary Care 2013
This event is aimed at GPs, commissioning groups and all healthcare professionals working in primary and community care.
Of particular interest will be the Care of Older People Programme Chaired by Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive, Alzheimer's Society.
More information at the
Primary Care 2013 website.
11 June 2013 - Vision 2020UK Conference
The Vision UK conference will be back for its fifth year in 2013, and will be held at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London on Tuesday 11 June.
The conference will focus on the theme ''Progress through partnership'' and will feature the launch of the refreshed UK Vision Strategy. The one-day conference will once again include a series of workshops where delegates will have the opportunity to provide their views on how to implement the Strategy across the UK and hear from experts in the public health and eye care sectors.
To register for the conference, please visit the UK Vision Strategy website or phone 01920 88 51 62.
Action Events
Action for Blind People arrange a variety of events for all of the family, including audio described theatre events and coffee mornings. You can also join Action for Blind People's friendly and knowledgeable team on their mobile unit demonstrating products and equipment and offering free and impartial advice on sight loss.
Visit the Action for Blind People website for further information.
16 - 22 September - National Eye Health Week
The fourth annual National Eye Health Week will take place this year from Monday 16 September to Sunday 22 September.
This announcement follows the success of the 2012 campaign, which saw high profile media coverage and hundreds of organisations from across the sector taking part to raise awareness of eye health and the need for regular sight tests for all.
If you would like to find out how you can get involved go to the Vision Matters website.