Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we're asked by journalists. It's definitely not an exhaustive list so feel free to look around the rest of the website for more information. To make this easier for you we've put some useful links on the right hand side.
Alternatively, if you're a journalist or have a media query you can always contact the Public Relations team directly on 0207 391 2223 or via email at pressoffice@rnib.org.uk
About RNIB's Public Relations team:
What kind of case studies can you offer?
Many blind and partially sighted people are willing to speak to journalists about their experiences. We have a comprehensive database of people's stories including volunteers, campaigners, fundraisers and people with a variety of eye conditions. They have a wealth of experience and come from across the UK.
For some examples of how our members have featured in our media work you can read a selection of stories that we've posted. To find out more about what we can offer please phone the press office on 0207 391 2223 or email pressoffice@rnib.org.uk
How can I access your press releases?
Because of the wide range of subjects we cover and the size of our organisation we don't operate a single mailing list for all press releases. If you would like to be alerted whenever we post a release you can set up an RSS feed from the press release section of our website and receive notifications when new releases are posted.
Alternatively you can follow RNIB's PR Team on Twitter, we tweet all of our press releases from @RNIB_Media
Who are your spokespeople?
Some of our key spokespeople are listed on our website. Our experts are media trained and experienced in speaking about a wide range of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people or those at risk of sight loss. These include eye health, emotional support for people who have lost their sight, campaigning issues and accessible technology.
We also have regional campaigns officers, regional fundraisers and representatives from our advice service and schools who can provide commentary and interviews to the regional and national media.
If you would like to interview an RNIB expert spokesperson please contact the Public Relations team on 0207 391 2223 or email pressoffice@rnib.org.uk
I have a feature idea, who should I contact?
If you are interested in developing a feature about blind or partially sighted people then please contact the public relations team on 0207 391 2223 or email pressoffice@rnib.org.uk
I'm a journalism student or student film maker and I'd like some information or a case study, could you provide this?
As we are a very busy team we do have to prioritise requests from journalists, however we will help you if we can. Email your request to pressoffice@rnib.org.uk
If you are a student and would like to speak to blind or partially sighted people then please visit the research section of our online forum and post a request there.
How can I keep up to date with RNIB's public relations team?
You can follow us on Twitter @RNIB_Media or sign up to get alerts from our website.
About RNIB's work and key statistics
What are the most common causes of blindness in the UK?
"The five leading causes of sight loss in the UK are refractive error, age-related macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy." (Access Economics, 2009)
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16.7 per cent of people with sight loss have age-related macular degeneration
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13.7 per cent have cataract
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5.3 per cent have glaucoma
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3.5 per cent have diabetic retinopathy
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53.5 per cent have sight loss equivalent to partial sight or blindness due to refractive error. (Uncorrected refractive error is a correctable form of sight loss.)
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7.4 per cent have other eye diseases.
Can sight loss be prevented?
50 per cent of sight loss in the UK can be prevented. Top tips for preventing sight loss are listed on our website.
How many blind and partially sighted people are there in the UK?
"Almost two million people in the UK are living with sight loss."
Source: Access Economics, 2009
Almost two million people have a sight problem which has a serious impact on their daily lives. That's about one person in thirty. It includes people who are registered blind and partially sighted, and all the other people whose sight problems have a significant impact on daily activities.
How many people in the UK are registered as blind or partially sighted?
"Around 360,000 people are registered blind or partially sighted in the UK."
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299,000 in England (NHSIC, 2011)
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34,500 in Scotland (Scottish Government, 2010)
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16,000 in Wales (Welsh Assembly Government, 2010)
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8,000 in Northern Ireland (RNIB estimate)
Half of those on the register are blind, and half are partially sighted.
Please note that not all people who are blind or partially sighted are registered.