In 2007/08 we are proud to have achieved the following to make a difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people:
Sight loss support
Over 280,000 people each month benefited from RNIB's telephone, online and face-to-face information and advice services.
RNIB's award-winning telephone service, Talk and Support, helped more people than ever feel that they are not alone. Insight Radio offers listeners lively debate, while Vision magazine provides tips and advice for RNIB Members.
We organised four 'Finding your feet' weekend breaks in 2007/08. These courses offered 49 people the information, peer support and confidence needed to come to terms with sight loss.
Your stories
"It's the [Talk and Support] camaraderie I really enjoy. We are all in the same position regarding sight loss and it's good to know that you are not alone."
"I wanted to know how my mother could register partially sighted. The Helpline also told me about visual aids for around the home and about parking permits."
"It was more than I expected. I thought I would just be sent a brochure [about macular degeneration] but the Helpline took time to explain things, were very clear and pointed me in all sorts of directions".
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Access to TV, culture and information
Audio description (AD) has increased, meaning that more people can experience the fun, information and education of television and cinema. The TV industry met the statutory target of audio-describing 10 per cent of all programmes - a promising start, but still a long way to go.
RNIB audio commentary schemes helped bring sporting events to life for blind and partially sighted people.
'Harry Potter and the deathly hallows' became the first ever novel in the UK to go on sale in audio, braille, large print and standard print simultaneously.
Your stories
"AD is not special treatment, it just puts us on an equal level with sighted people."
"I really love books like Harry Potter. Mum bought me the whole series in large print. I read the second book in four days!"
"I recently bought a flat and was forced to sign my life away with hardly any of the crucial legal documents, surveys or letters accessible to me. My requests were met with 'we don't do that' or were ignored at every turn, it's so frustrating."
"I've been trying for years to get accessible information from my housing association. This has finally paid off and I'm now getting all correspondence in large print."
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Campaigns
Wet AMD
In August 2008, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published guidance that will save the sight of thousands affected by wet Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The guidance paves the way for free access to anti-VEGF drugs - treatment that NICE previously deemed too expensive for the NHS. The U-turn came in the wake of a two-year campaign spearheaded by RNIB, and a petition signed by 11,000 people.
Disability Allowance
In October 2008 over 1,500 people joined RNIB's Disability Living Allowance campaign march to Parliament. This was the largest ever lobby of Parliament by blind and partially sighted people. Campaigners want the Government to commit to extending eligibility to claim the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance to people with severe sight loss.
Your stories
"People think it's only physically disabled people who need help with mobility - but blind and partially sighted people need guiding, escorting and transport as well."
"If I want to meet friends in town, say, I could get a taxi there - buses don't always run on time, and late at night you feel vulnerable. So it [DLA] would be giving us back our independence."
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Improving eye health
UK Vision Strategy
RNIB is leading a ground-breaking strategy bringing together people with sight loss, users of eye care services, eye health and social care professionals and statutory and voluntary organisations to:
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improve the eye health of the nation
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prevent avoidable sight loss
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improve the care of blind and partially sighted people
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build a more inclusive society.
Eye Health Week 2008
Happy eyes? Appearances can be deceptive. Eye Health Week 2008 encouraged people to consider how healthy their eyes are and to book an eye test.
Your stories
"Having an eye test is the most important thing you can do. It stopped me from going blind. People don't realise how quickly something can go wrong with their eyes."
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Our vision
These achievements all work towards RNIB's overall vision, which is: "A world where people who are blind and partially sighted enjoy the same rights, responsibilities, opportunities and quality of life as people who are sighted."
Our mission is "To challenge blindness by empowering people who are blind or partially sighted, removing the barriers they face and helping to prevent blindness."
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