Over 48,000 people sign RNIB’s Out of Sight petition

On 24 March 2026, blind and partially sighted campaigners handed in RNIB’s Out of Sight petition at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in Westminster. The hand-in followed a cane walk by the campaigners from Parliament Square – exemplifying mobility skills which are amongst many skills people with sight loss develop through vision rehabilitation.

Speaking outside the DHSC, Eleanor Thompson, RNIB Director of Policy, Campaigns and Social Action, said:

'We’re here in Westminster because too many people are having their lives put on pause. No one should have to wait to receive vital support after sight loss. Health Secretary Wes Streeting can’t be in any doubt about public support for action to ensure effective vision rehabilitation services in England.'

RNIB ambassador Claire Sisk and blind content creator and RNIB supporter Rob Sears took part in the cane walk and petition hand-in. Claire said:

'When I lost my sight, vision rehabilitation helped me learn how to use my cane and get out and about again. I had my independence back, I could be me again. Since then I’ve been able to develop my career as a TV presenter and social media influencer on campaign on the issues that matter to blind people. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this if it wasn’t for vision rehabilitation.'

Vision rehabilitation equips blind and partially sighted people with new ways to stay independent: to get out and about confidently, adapt at work, do the weekly shop, and enjoy the hobbies they love. Everyone with sight loss has a legal right to this support, but too many are falling through the cracks as services are pared back and delayed.

RNIB’s Life on Pause report showed that in the financial year 2023 to 2024:

• 85 per cent of local authorities in England failed to meet RNIB’s recommended timeframe for vision rehabilitation assessments.
• 20 per cent left people with sight loss waiting over a year for support.

To make sure people with sight loss can access effective vision rehabilitation services across England, RNIB is calling on Wes Streeting to:

1. Commission the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to develop guidelines and quality standards for vision rehabilitation.
2. Subject vision rehabilitation services to the same regulation and monitoring as other adult social care services. This could be done within the current legislative framework and by extending the remit of the Care Quality Commission.
3. Recognise the skills and expertise of Vision Rehabilitation Specialists (and Qualified Habilitation Specialists) by making Vision Rehabilitation Specialists a regulated profession.
4. Encourage better integration of services, by strengthening the links between secondary and social care settings, with a guaranteed route into vision rehabilitation for everyone who needs it, while ensuring blind and partially sighted people are informed of their rights and the services they can expect to receive.