Visual impairment helplines
NHS
RNIB
Helpline: 0303 123 9999
Practical and emotional supportRoyal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is the leading charity offering information, support and advice to almost two million people with sight loss. If you or a loved one has a sight problem, we can help. We have practical ways to help you live with sight loss. We've got advice to help you travel, shop and manage your money and finances independently. We've also got advice on technology for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB is an organisation of blind and partially sighted people, passionately committed to ending the isolation of sight loss. We campaign and carry out research on the issues that matter to you.
Royal Society for Blind Children
General enquiries: 020 3198 0225
Sight loss doesn’t just affect your child - as a parent, you need support too. Our Family Support Service provides practical and emotional support at every stage of your family’s experience with sight loss. We provide a range of services in London and across England and Wales for blind and partially sighted children and young people, their families, and the professionals who work alongside them.
Look
Helpline: 07464 351958
We are Look, and we’re on a mission to support young visually impaired people and their families to thrive. We do this through mentoring, transformational events, youth forums and parent support groups. We can also link to other charities and organisations who can help you access the support you need.
Retina UK
Helpline: 0300 111 4000
We are the only UK charity dedicated solely to working for people affected by inherited sight loss. Our vision is a world where everyone with inherited sight loss is able to live a fulfilling life. By stimulating and funding medical research, we increase the understanding of these conditions and accelerate the search for treatments for the future. The information and support we provide helps people lead better lives, today. We ensure no-one with inherited sight loss need feel alone.
The Macular Society
Advice and Information Service: 0300 3030 111
Beating the fear and isolation of macular disease with world-class research, and the best advice and support. Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with 300 people diagnosed every day. It steals your sight, your confidence, and your ability to do the things you love. There is only one way to Beat Macular Disease for good. We must fund much more research now, until we find a cure, or find treatments that stop it in its tracks.
Glaucoma UK
Sightline: 01233 64 81 70
Our information is for everyone who is interested in glaucoma, people who have just been diagnosed, or anyone living with glaucoma. We run a helpline, provide free glaucoma leaflets, set up patient support groups, provide a buddying scheme and fund professional research that helps with the detection, management and treatment of glaucoma. We also run glaucoma awareness campaigns and have a membership scheme, which helps people keep up to date about their condition and treatment. All our services are free, funded through our members' generosity.
The Partially Sighted Society
Tel: 01302 965195
Our specialist services focus on helping you to make the best use of your remaining vision and our friendly team are at the end of a phone if you or someone you know is affected by sight loss. Please download our catalogues to view our selection of aids, stationery, bold-lined exercise books and leisure items.Read more about our Support Groups here.
Dogs for Good
Tel: 01295 252600
Dogs for Good is a pioneering charity that trains assistance dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities, and families with a child with autism. Through practical tasks our dogs offer freedom and independence, but in addition an assistance dog becomes a reason to go out, giving a new found confidence that opens doors to fresh opportunities including friendships, hobbies, education and even careers.
Guide Dogs
Guide Line: 0800 781 1444
There are over 4,700 guide dog owners in the UK. If you are blind or partially sighted, a guide dog could change your life. We offer a range of services and activities for children and young people and provide valuable advice for parents and teachers. We aim to help people with sight loss get out of their homes and engage with their community, rebuilding their confidence and independence. Our buddy dogs are giving children and young people a vital boost in confidence.