90 Parliamentarians learn about vision rehabilitation at RNIB event

The event, sponsored by Dr Marie Tidball MP, brought together parliamentarians, Vision Rehabilitation Specialists, volunteers, and campaigners to highlight the urgent need for timely, effective support for people with sight loss.

90 MPs, peers, or their staff stopped by during the three hour event, including Minister for Social Security and Disability, Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP; Liberal Democrat Work and Pensions Spokesperson Steve Darling MP; Liberal Democrat Health and Social Care Spokesperson Helen Morgan MP; former health minister Rt Hon Edward Agar MP; former education Secretary, Rt Hon Sir Gavin Williamson; and Julie Minns MP, campaigner for accessible voting. Stephen Kinnock MP attended in his remit as MP for Aberafan Maesteg in Wales.

All left with a personalised briefing on vision rehabilitation and sight loss data for their constituency.

Over 4,600 invite emails were sent to MPs by RNIB supporters, reaching 99 per cent of MPs. Hearing from constituents was referenced multiple times on the day by MPs and their staff, demonstrating the fantastic contribution you made to get them along. Thank you for your support!

MPs were guided through interactive stations, each demonstrating a different aspect of vision rehabilitation:

• In the home: MPs tried out adaptations and tools—like liquid level indicators and tactile stickers—that enable independent living, guided by RNIB staff, vision rehabilitation specialists and those with lived experience.
• At work: Demonstrations showcased how assistive technology and workplace adjustments empower people with sight loss to enter and stay in employment.
• Out and about: Parliamentarians learned about mobility training and the various different types of cane, as well as the barriers people with sight loss face when out and about. This came with an invitation for a follow up meeting in their constituency for a guided walk.
• Report and data: MPs heard about RNIB’s newly released data on vision rehabilitation services in the local authorities covering their constituency.

We were also joined by This Morning TV blind chef and social media influencer, Claire Sisk, and blind athlete and influencer, Rob Sears, with both having the chance to lobby their own MPs in person during the afternoon.

MPs engaged in practical activities, heard personal stories, and discussed the ongoing challenges facing vision rehabilitation services across the UK. The event emphasised that, despite a legal right to support, too many people with sight loss are left waiting for help—sometimes for over a year—due to under-resourced services.

Dr Marie Tidball, Labour MP for Penistone and Stockbridge, who sponsored the event, spoke about her life growing up as a disabled woman. She said:

"As RNIB's latest report shows, too many people are being left to cope alone. 85 per cent of local authorities were not able to complete vision rehabilitation assessments within the RNIB recommended 28 days. The message today is clear: we must ensure that every person with sight loss gets the emotional and practical support that they need, when they need it. Not months or years later, as some of those in the room have already talked to me about.

The solutions are there, and they play an important part in achieving the government's mission for national renewal, providing people with the skills and training to find or stay in work, shifting our approach to health and care to one of prevention, and creating a more equal society built on dignity and respect."

She went on to say:

"We need to work together so that blind and partially sighted people's lives are not put on pause, and to ensure they can fulfil their potential, whatever that might be.”

Eleanor Thompson, RNIB’s Director of Policy, Campaigns and Social Action, said:

“I'd like to thank every one of those constituents who told their MPs how important this issue is to them which encouraged so many of them to attend today. Far too many people across England face unacceptable waiting times for vision rehabilitation support. Your tireless campaigning alongside us on this has been fantastic. Our task now is to build on the many connections and opportunities brought about through this event to press home the need for action."

Life On Pause: Our latest report into vision rehabilitation provision across England

Our Life On Pause report shows that thousands of blind and partially sighted people are unable to access the vision rehabilitation they need to live independently. A fifth of local authorities in England left people waiting over a year for an assessment in the 2023 to 2024 financial year, with 85 per cent missing recommended timeframes for support.

When resourced and appropriately delivered, vision rehabilitation transforms lives, enabling people to adapt, work, and participate fully in society, however too many are slipping through the cracks.

MPs were urged to call on the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting MP, to ensure timely, practical, and emotional support is available for everyone with sight loss when they need it. As a first step we're urging the Secretary of State to commission national guidance so that we can start to see an end to the postcode lottery of provision of this vital service.

Support the Out Of Sight campaign for improved vision rehabilitation services

RNIB will now be building on the connections made during the event, following up with MPs to provide briefings and connections with our Area Campaigns Officers for guided walks in local constituencies.

You can support the Out Of Sight campaign by signing our petition and reading the Life On Pause report above. You can also invite your MP to become an RNIB Champion by filling out this simple form.