Sight Scotland & Sight Scotland Veterans

A hand is gently touching a page of braille text. The image features the words "World Book Day" at the bottom.

Happy #WorldBookDay 📚

We believe reading is for everyone. That’s why our Scottish Braille Press works to turn the latest stories into Braille and large print.

Reading isn't just about what you see - it's about where the story takes you.

Find out about accessible reading: https://bit.ly/4suQYMh

Promotional graphic for an Internship Opportunity with Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans. The image shows three people smiling and chatting at a table during a group event, with others seated in the background. The words “Internship Opportunity” appear across a purple banner at the bottom alongside both organisations’ logos.

Leaving school is a big step, especially if you’re living with visual impairment.

We’re piloting a new 9-month paid internship in Edinburgh, designed for visually impaired school leavers in Scotland.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/4kT9NWM

Why booking your free eye test matters | Sight Scotland Free NHS-funded eye examinations are a straightforward way to look after both your eyes and your general wellbeing and one of the genuine benefits of living in Scotland. Find out more about how to boo...

When did you last have an eye test?

In Scotland, NHS-funded eye examinations are free and can detect more than just vision changes, they can spot early signs of other health conditions too.

No GP referral needed.

Find out more:
🔗 https://bit.ly/4rZ3QcW

Sight Loss Councils Scotland | Sight Scotland Learn about Scotland's Sight Loss Council (SLC) and how to join.

Real change starts with listening.

Our Sight Loss Councils bring lived experience into decisions that shape everyday life.

🔗 https://sightscotland.org.uk/influencing-change/lived-experience/sight-loss-councils-scotland

Contractor appointed to start work at new Eye Hospital in the BioQuarter - Deadline News NHS Lothian has appointed Kier as the Principal Supply Chain Partner to build the new Eye Hospital in Edinburgh. The new specially designed multi-million pound building at the BioQuarter at Little Fra...

A contractor has been appointed for the new Eye Hospital at the BioQuarter.

Long overdue, but welcome. Now we need clear timelines and delivery of a modern, fully accessible facility.

Patients cannot wait any longer.

🔗 https://bit.ly/46aBu7q

Blind Driving Experiences | Driving Experiences for Visual Impairment… Speed of sight offer life changing driving experiences for people who are blind, visually impaired or have a disability and have been told they will never…

Car drifting in Fife?

We have 20 places for visually impaired veterans to take part in an accessible driving experience with Speed of Sight on 4 or 5 August.

£20 per person. Self-travel to central pick-up point required.

Register Interest: https://bit.ly/4roqMCL
More Info: https://bit.ly/46fO8lw

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Susan's story | Sight Scotland Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss for people over 50. We spoke to Susan, who has been through the diagnosis process and shares her experiences of dealing with ...

“I just saw shapes and colours. There were no letters.”

At 58, Susan’s macular degeneration progressed rapidly. She speaks about stopping driving, the emotional impact, and the support that helped her rebuild confidence.

February is AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month.

🔗 https://bit.ly/3OeLAy1

Information, Advice and Resources | Sight Scotland Whether you're looking for guidance for yourself, or want to know more about how to support someone with sight loss or blindness, we are here to help. Find information about sight loss, including advi...

Not sure where to start after a visual impairment diagnosis?

From benefits to transport and support, we’ve brought together clear, practical information in one place.

🔗 https://sightscotland.org.uk/info-and-advice

A photographer with partial sight shares how he captures amazing images | Sight Scotland Matthew has around five per cent vision. But being partially sighted doesn't stop Matthew from seeing Edinburgh's many vistas and capturing images on his DSLR camera.

Registered blind from birth, this photographer has developed his own way of seeing the world.

In this short film and article, he shares how he captures his images and what photography means to him.

Take a few minutes to hear his story: https://bit.ly/3Oq52Yp

Wear shades in winter and follow the 20-20-20 rule: experts on 13 ways to look after your eyes Everyone should get their eyes tested every two years, but there are other ways to optimise your vision, say ophthalmologists – and yes, eating carrots may help

Shades aren’t just for summer.

Bright winter light and long hours on screens can cause eye strain and discomfort. Simple habits like sunglasses outdoors and regular screen breaks may help with comfort.

Have you tried the 20-20-20 rule?

🔗 https://bit.ly/4rQ8QAS

This building was condemned years ago.

Yet it’s still delivering eye care to thousands across Scotland.

We need investment. And we need a new Eye Hospital in Edinburgh.

🔗 https://sightscotland.org.uk/influencing-change/election-2026

Mark Ballard and Hazel Kelly stand outdoors holding a poster that reads “Time to Focus on Visual Impairment – 2026 Manifesto”. The poster features the Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans logos and a photograph of a person smiling during a conversation. Mark is wearing a purple hoodie and glasses. Hazel is wearing a brown coat and glasses, holding a handbag. The Scottish Parliament Building is visible in the background.

Nearly 66,000 people were waiting for ophthalmology appointments in Sept 2025. In the Lothians, over half now wait more than 12 months.

These aren’t just numbers. They represent lives on hold.

Our manifesto calls for urgent investment: https://sightscotland.org.uk/influencing-change/election-2026

New Edinburgh eye hospital must be priority for next government, says charity A new eye hospital for Edinburgh must be an urgent priority for the next Scottish Government, a sight loss charity has said in its manifesto ahead of May’s Holyrood elections.

A new Eye Hospital for Edinburgh must be an urgent priority for the next Scottish Government.

In this piece from Edinburgh Evening News, our call for modern, accessible eye health services is highlighted as part of our 2026 manifesto. #SP2026 #EyeHealth

🔗 https://bit.ly/4roq8VN

Play and Connect | Sight Scotland Sight Scotland and Hearts and Minds 'Play and Connect' sessions provide an innovative programme of play-based activities for young children with visual impairment and their families, such as Mhairi Mu...

“Play and Connect has helped Nate so much.”

For Mhairi and her three-year-old son Nate, our Play and Connect sessions have boosted confidence, interaction and joy through sensory play and music.

Early intervention matters.
🔗 https://sightscotland.org.uk/articles/case-study/play-and-connect

'The Linburn Centre helped me believe in life again' Veterans Ian Baker and Alan Mustard say the centre has given them support, community and confidence

“The Linburn Centre helped me believe in life again.”

At our Linburn Centre in West Lothian, veterans are rebuilding confidence, independence and friendships with people who understand their experiences.

📞 0800 035 6409 | sightscotlandveterans.org.uk

https://bit.ly/3Ms5ogA

Scott Arthur MP stands indoors against a teal wall, holding a large Sight Scotland frame shaped like an eye. The frame includes the Sight Scotland logo and the text “Tackling vision loss together”. A colourful illustrated display is visible on the wall behind.

From braille on baked beans to bus stops that are safe for visually impaired riders.

A good conversation today with @drscottarthurmp.bsky.social about everyday barriers that shouldn’t still exist in 2026, from floating bus stops to inaccessible payment terminals.

Charity calls for halt to 'dangerous and life-threatening' floating bus stops A charity is calling for an immediate halt to floating bus stops, branding them “dangerous and life-threatening” for people with visual impairment.

Floating bus stops can make everyday travel stressful and unsafe for people with visual impairment.

In this article, Bilal, a member of our policy group, backs our call for an immediate halt to their rollout in Scotland until safety is proven.

🔗
https://bit.ly/4bB2u3r

Two people smiling and celebrating at a night-time running event, both wearing head torches and warm jackets. Bright lights and other runners are visible in the background. Text on the image reads “Supernova Kelpies” and “Run for us – Claim your free space”.

Spaces are filling fast for the Supernova Kelpies 5K.

Run, jog or walk under the stars and secure a free charity place by supporting Sight Scotland or Sight Scotland Veterans.

Email sam.smith@sightscotland.org.uk to sign up.

Free companion rail travel is helping people get out and about across Scotland.

George, a veteran at our Hawkhead Centre, uses the Eye+1 pilot to travel with his wife and explore more together.

Used the scheme?
Share your story: policy@sightscotland.org.uk

A graphic promoting the Scottish Parliament Elections on 7th May 2026. The top text reads "Your Voice, Your Vote." Logos for Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are displayed. At the bottom, there is an icon of a ballot box.

Your voice matters.

Voting can feel daunting if you’re visually impaired. We’ve pulled together clear, practical information to help you understand your options and feel confident when the time comes.

🔗 https://sightscotland.org.uk/articles/blog/vote-scottish-parliament-elections-2026

Two people are sitting together on a Scotrail Train, one has long dark hair and the other has shoulder length golden blonde hair. The are smiling and the conductor is crouching down beside them as one of them shows their NEC eye +1 card.

Your voice matters! Thanks to everyone who completed the survey by Transport Scotland on the pilot for free companion rail travel for Eye +1 NEC cardholders. Your feedback helps us strengthen the case to make sure this policy is here to stay!

Good luck to all of our Kiltwalkers in Edinburgh this weekend.

To help support the work we do, or to take on a fundraising event, please visit sightscotland.org.uk/fundraise, or call 0800 024 8973.

#Kiltwalk2025 @kiltwalk

ADA Scotland Appoint First Blind Chairperson Audio Description Association (ADA) Scotland have appointed their first blind chairperson, Amanda Foster.

Congratulations to Amanda, a Policy Group member at Sight Scotland, on her new position as Audio Description Association Scotland's first visually impaired chairperson.

Listen to the full story here: audioboom.com/posts/877098...

#Accessibility #Leadership #Inclusion

Members of Glasgow Sight Loss Council posing indoors in front of colourful textile art panels on the wall behind them.

We recently had a fantastic day at @visibilityScotland where members of Glasgow Sight Loss Council took part in media training delivered by Sight Scotland’s Cause and Engagement team.

For more information about Sight Loss Councils, visit sightscotland.org.uk/influencing-..., or call 0800 024 8973.

This September, Aleks will be taking part in his fourth Kiltwalk to raise funds for Sight Scotland.

Register for your place at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk today and fundraise for Sight Scotland: sightscotland.org.uk/kiltwalk

#EdinburghKiltwalk #SightScotland

Sign up for the Sight Scotland Yoga Challenge Join the 30-Day Yoga Challenge this September. Get a free yoga course, raise money for a good cause, and enter a prize draw when you get your first donation.

Our 30-Day Yoga Challenge starts in just over a week!

You’ll feel the benefits in mind, body and spirit, and you’ll be raising vital funds for people across Scotland living with sight loss.

Sign up today: sightscotland.sync.giving/yoga-challenge

#SightScotlandYoga

Sight Scotland partners with Pleasance to boost accessibility for thousands at Edinburgh Fringe Sight Scotland, supported by Sight Loss Councils, has partnered with famous fringe venue the Pleasance to deliver specialist visual impairment awareness training to over 250 of its staff ahead of this...

Sight Scotland and Sight Loss Councils have partnered with iconic Fringe venue The Pleasance to deliver visual impairment awareness training to over 250 staff ahead of this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Find out more: ow.ly/l40p50WBnWK

It is fantastic to hear about the difference the Fair Rail Campaign for free companion rail travel is making so far.

If you or someone you know has used the scheme, please contact us at policy@sightscotland.org.uk to share your story

sightscotland.org.uk/FairRail

#FairRailCampaign

Group of five elegantly dressed people posing on a lawn in front of Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh. In the photo is Callum, Steven, Emma, Maureen and Freda

Two men, Callum and Steven, in traditional Scottish kilts and a woman, Maureen, in a patterned dress and white jacket stand on a grassy lawn during an outdoor event at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh.

Sight Loss Councils Scotland (SLC’s) recently attended the Royal Garden Party hosted by the Royal family at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh.

To find out more about the work we do, please visit ow.ly/cTJ750WjICY

#SightLossCouncils #InclusionScotland #HolyroodPalace

Volunteer Week YouTube video by Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans

It’s Volunteer Week across Scotland – and we’re shining a light on the incredible people who give their time, energy and heart to support our work at Sight Scotland & Sight Scotland Veterans

sightscotland.org.uk/volunteer or call us on 0131 229 1456