Wiltshire Sight

11/10/2025

Talking about ‘getting out and about’ – Young Adults Virtual Hub next week

Our next Young Adults Virtual Hub will take place on Wednesday 15 October, and this time it has a theme – ‘Getting out and about’.

The hub is open to anyone aged 18 to 30 who is living with sight loss. It’s a friendly and supportive online space to connect with others, share experiences, and chat about what helps you feel more confident when out and about.

Amber will be leading the discussion, exploring the challenges young people face when navigating sight loss, managing stigma, and finding confidence and independence in everyday life.

It’s a friendly and supportive online space to connect with others, share experiences, and chat about what helps you feel more confident when out and about.

To join the session, contact Wiltshire Sight on 01380 723682.



Image description: On the left text reads: “Young Adults Virtual Hub. Theme: Getting out and about.” On the right, there is a circular photo of a young woman sitting cross-legged, using a laptop with a thoughtful expression. Below the photo is the Wiltshire Sight logo.

09/10/2025

This World Sight Day we want people to know that If your sight changes, the right support can make things feel a little less overwhelming.

One of our Sight Loss Advisors recently met a lady in her nineties who had lost most of her sight very suddenly. She came to us feeling anxious and unsure where to turn. After spending time together and talking through the help available, her daughter said:
“Thank you so much for all your help today, we really didn't expect to get the service you have just given us and i am so amazed at the amount of information and help. I have taken down so many notes and we have covered so much.”

Sometimes it’s not just the practical help that matters, it’s knowing that someone is there to listen and guide you through.

Find out more about our services at wiltshiresight.org



Image description: An older woman wearing dark glasses sits at a table, talking to an advisor who is leaning forward and listening attentively. A guide dog is sitting beside her chair. There are mugs and plates on the table, and a banner is visible in the background. Text on the image reads: “A friendly chat can make all the difference.” The World Sight Day logo appears in the bottom right corner.

02/10/2025

Last chance to get your raffle tickets! The draw closes this Friday at midnight and you could win £500. All proceeds are shared between Wiltshire Sight, Sight Support West of England and Insight Gloucestershire, so every ticket helps local people living with sight loss.

See the original post from Sight Support West of England to buy your tickets.

Win £500 with our summer raffle. Support our work by playing our raffle and win great prizes!

01/10/2025

Have your say and help shape support in Wiltshire

Your experiences matter to us. We’d love to hear from anyone with lived experience of sight loss about how we can best support people across Wiltshire.

Our short survey takes about 15 minutes and all responses are confidential. By taking part, you’ll help us understand what support, activities, and services are most important for people living with sight loss in Wiltshire communities.

You can take part in the way that suits you best:
• Online: https://forms.office.com/e/e1NBDDSUM3
• By phone: call us on 01380 723682 and we’ll arrange a time to go through the survey with you
• At your local hub: speak to a volunteer in October
• In writing: if you received our survey letter, you can post your answers back to us

The survey closes on 5 November. Results will be shared in the summer edition of our Visible magazine.



Image description: A woman is typing onto a tablet. Text at the top text reads: “Have your say Wiltshire Sight survey now open”.

28/09/2025

As we get older, changes to our eyes and vision are natural, but regular sight tests are still the best way to spot problems early and keep your eyes healthy.

Ageing increases the risk of conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. While these may sound worrying, early detection and the right support can make a big difference. Sight tests are free for everyone over 60, as they are paid for by the NHS, ask at your local opticians for more information.

This Eye Health Week, we’re encouraging everyone to look after their eyes at every stage of life. If you notice any changes to your vision, don’t wait – book a sight test with your optician.

This week we’ve been sharing daily tips on eye health together with Sight Support West of England and Insight Gloucestershire. Visit their pages to explore more themes including children’s eye health, self-care, healthy living, and sports vision.

If you are living with sight loss and would like advice or support, you can contact Wiltshire Sight on 01380 723682.



Image description: An older man with grey hair and glasses smiles, looking to the side. He is wearing a dark polo shirt. Text on the image reads: “Caring for ageing eyes – National Eye Health Week.” The Vision Matters logo is shown in the top right corner.

25/09/2025

What we eat and the choices we make every day can play a role in protecting our eye health.

A diet rich in fruit, vegetables and whole foods supports healthy eyes, while being active, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol can also help reduce the risk of common eye conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts.

It’s also important to know that smoking is strongly linked to sight loss. If you smoke and are thinking about stopping, there’s support available to help you. Find out more at: https://www.visionmatters.org.uk/news/news/post/156-say-eye-quit-for-stoptobe

This Eye Health Week, we’re focusing on positive steps that can help protect your vision.

If you are living with sight loss, Wiltshire Sight is here with practical advice and support across the county.



Image description: A pale green graphic with bold dark green text reading: “Eat right for good sight.” Smaller text along the bottom reads: “National Eye Health Week | visionmatters.org.uk.” The Vision Matters logo appears in the top left corner.

22/09/2025

Routine sight tests are important health checks. They can spot signs of eye disease years before you notice any changes in your vision and can also detect a range of other health conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure.

During we want to highlight that sight tests are free for more than 30 million people on the NHS, including children, the over 60s, and those on income-related benefits: http://nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/

If you or someone you love is adjusting to sight loss, Wiltshire Sight is here with local support. Come and see us at one of our monthly hubs that take place around Wiltshire.



Image description: A pink graphic with bold text in dark pink reading: “When did you last have an eye test?” Text along the bottom reads: “National Eye Health Week | visionmatters.org.uk.” The Vision Matters logo appears in the top left corner.

15/09/2025

New Community Sight Loss Hub in Swindon

We’re delighted to launch a new Community Sight Loss Advice Hub in Swindon.

From Thursday 18 September, this monthly hub will run at the Pilgrim Centre, Regent Circus, Swindon, SN1 1PX. It’s a place to get tailored advice from our Community Sight Loss Advisor, try out useful equipment, and explore digital skills support. Call us to make an appointment.

There’s also a warm, friendly social group to enjoy. Friends and family are very welcome.

The hub takes place on the third Thursday of each month from 10am to 12.30pm.

For more information, call Wiltshire Sight on 01380 723682.



Image description: A woman wearing glasses and a patterned headscarf is seated at a table, looking down at equipment under a bright desk lamp.. Text on the image reads: “New Swindon hub! 3rd Thursday of each month.” At the bottom is the Wiltshire Sight logo with a wave of yellow, green, and blue.

11/09/2025

Certification and registration explained

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with sight loss, you may hear the terms certification and registration. They’re often used together, but they actually mean different things and it’s normal to feel a bit confused at first.

• Certification: Your eye specialist may issue you with a Certificate of Vision Impairment if your sight meets certain criteria.
• Registration: Your local council then asks if you’d like to be added to their register of people with sight loss, which can give access to extra benefits and services.

Our Knowledge Hub explains the process in more detail, along with the support you may be entitled to.

You don’t need to be registered or certified to get support from Wiltshire Sight. Our advisors are always here to talk through your options and help you find the support that’s right for you.

Read the article here: https://www.sightsupportwest.org.uk/resources/certification-and-registration/



Image description: A Wiltshire Sight advisor sits at a table with an older man. They are both smiling as he tries out a handheld magnifier to read some text. On the table are papers and pieces of equipment. Behind them is a Wiltshire Sight display banner. Text at the bottom of the image reads: “Certification and registration – what’s the difference?”

04/09/2025

As the new school year begins, many parents are navigating what life looks like for their child with a visual impairment. You don’t have to do that on your own.

Our Parents Virtual Hub meets online every third Thursday at 7.30 pm. It’s a friendly space for parents and carers to:
• Share practical ideas about school and daily life
• Connect with other families who “get it”
• Meet new people and enjoy an informal chat

Online via Microsoft Teams – we’ll help you get set up if it’s new to you.
Find out more: Virtual Hubs listings webpage
Or call us on 01380 723682 to register.



Image description: A Wiltshire Sight graphic promoting the Parents Virtual Hub. On the left, white text on a dark blue background reads “Parents Virtual Hub – Connect with other parents online.” The Wiltshire Sight logo is displayed at the bottom. On the right, there is a photo of a smiling woman wearing glasses and a yellow striped jumper, sitting at a table with a laptop and notebook.

Join our Virtual Hubs for friendly support and connection, with a new Young Adults Group launching on 5th March.

28/08/2025

Sight Loss Advice Hub in Corsham Did you know that we run a monthly hub in Corsham for anyone affected by sight loss?

You can join us at The Pound Arts Centre, Pound Hill, on the second Tuesday of every month, 10.00am – 1.00pm.

What’s on offer:
• Drop-in advice: 10.00am – 11.00am
• Bookable appointments: available throughout the morning
• Friendly social group: 10.00am – 12.00pm

Our Community Sight Loss Advisor can offer practical advice and demonstrate equipment to help with daily life, and our Digital Skills Advisor can provide one-to-one support with technology.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, have been living with sight loss for some time, or are supporting a loved one, you’re very welcome to come along.

For more details or to book an appointment, contact us on 01380 723682.



Image description: A Wiltshire Sight advisor sits at a table with a woman using a magnifying lamp to read a book. Various pieces of equipment are on the table, including magnifiers. The text on the image reads: “Corsham Sight Loss Advice Hub for anyone living with sight loss.” The Wiltshire Sight logo is in the bottom right corner.