Sight Action bids to raise awareness of our lifeline services
05 May 2009
Sight Action is the name of our new brand identity and we have launched this accessible new website to raise public awareness of the vital services and support we provide to blind and partially sighted adults and children throughout the Highlands and Western Isles.
Formerly known as Visual Impairment Services Highland, we are based at the Inverness premises of The Highland and Islands Society for Blind People (HISBP) in Ardconnel Street.
We currently receive funding from The Highland Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and NHS Highland but we are also looking to increase our funding from other sources.
Sight Action Chairman Terry Cullingham said:
“Sight Action receives generous supplementary funding from the HISBP and is increasingly dependent on fundraising to address a wide agenda of needs and issues. Indeed, in the current economic climate the financial support from the HISBP is in serious jeopardy.”
Mr Cullingham is acutely aware that although there is a registration process for people who are blind or partially sighted, only a quarter of those who meet the criteria are actually registered with Sight Action.
He is concerned about the need to offer support to people, preferably before they become registered, when they still have useful vision.
He added:
“As a registered blind person myself, I recognise there is also a need for a drive to encourage people to take more responsibility for their eye health, especially when eye checks are available freely for adults from opticians. Some 50% of eye disease is treatable, but early intervention is vital.”
Mr Cullingham has urged sufferers and their relatives or carers to get in touch to find out what kind of help Sight Action can offer them.
Further information and details about Sight Action’s support, information and services is available on this website or by phoning 01463 233663.