RNIB Scotland

12/01/2026

How can changing your habits build a better world for people with sight loss?

We need people like you, ready to turn action into real, lasting change. From offering help, to keeping pavements clear, we're highlighting everyday actions that can make a big difference to blind and partially sighted people. Which ones could you do?

Visit our webpage for more: https://www.rnib.org.uk/SocialChange/

[Video description: Each person featured addresses the camera when speaking. A woman leaves her house with her white cane, and accompanying her daughter down a street. Another woman approaches a bus stop with a white cane, while another person is sitting there. A man with a white cane waits to cross a road, and a woman approaches him to offer help. A woman walks along a footpath and her neighbour waves at her before they stop to chat. A man walks along a pavement with bushes next to him. A woman approaches a dropped kerb with tactile paving where there is a car stopped, it drives off. A woman navigates a busy street with a cane, she stops a passer-by who directs her.]

09/01/2026

Calling Melrose and Cambeltown!

We're hosting information events soon, giving you a chance to come and speak to us in-person about support in your area.

We'll be in Melrose on Tuesday 13 January at The Borders General Hospital, from 11am - 3pm. In collaboration with Scottish Borders Sensory Services.

We'll also be in Cambeltown on Tuesday 27 January at Campbeltown Library within the Aqualibrium, from 12:30pm - 3pm. In collaboration with Argyll & Bute Sensory Services.

Whether you’ve engaged with services before, you are new to sight loss and seeking support, or perhaps you’re a family member or friend of someone with sight loss. We’d like to ensure every person has access to the support they need.

Come along and say hello to Ian, or pop him a message at ian.white@rnib.org.uk to find out more.

[Image description: Ian and Gail from RNIB Scotland stand together at an RNIB Scotland display table with various assistive items and information booklets.]

Scottish Borders Council Argyll and Bute Council

08/01/2026

Eye tests aren't just about vision.

Regular eye tests can help spot eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts at an early stage. They can also pick up signs of other health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure, often before you notice any symptoms.

In Scotland, you can get a free eye test every two years. Don't leave it on the to-do list, find an optometrist and book in today!

Find a local optometrist: https://lookafteryoureyes.org/eye-examinations/find-an-optometrist/

[Image description: A Snellen chart used for eye tests viewed over a person's shoulder.]

07/01/2026

We want your opinion on travel!

We're teaming up with Disability Equality Scotland to speak to you about the Accessible Travel Framework.

The framework has provided a benchmark for the last ten years to improve transport and travel for disabled people in Scotland. It is due to come to an end in 2026, so a successor needs to be developed. We're keen to ensure this reflects priorities for blind and partially sighted people in Scotland.

Let us know if you want to join our focus group, which will be held online via Teams on Wednesday 28 January, 10:15 - 12:15. You can join online, or be called in via telephone. Contact us at:
rnibscotland@rnib.org.uk to register.

[Image description: Dan alights a bus holding his white cane.]

06/01/2026

A visually impaired mum from West Lothian is calling for more inclusive and accessible employment. Amanda, who has Stargardt disease, and her five-year-old daughter both recently won medals in mixed martial arts. Now that her daughter is at school, Amanda is keen to return to work but says she often stops hearing back from employers once she discloses her sight loss.

Despite strong experience, volunteering, and recently completing inclusive barista training and a paid work placement, Amanda says assumptions about disability are still holding jobseekers back. She hopes her story encourages employers to make recruitment processes more accessible, speak directly with candidates about what support they need, and offer flexibility around challenges like transport.

With only one in four working-age people with sight loss in employment, we're urging employers to take action. We offer practical guidance and resources to help make recruitment and workplaces more inclusive. By listening to people like Amanda and making simple, effective changes, employers can help ensure blind and partially sighted people are supported to succeed at work.

Read more: https://www.rnib.org.uk/news/martial-arts-mum-fights-for-inclusive-employment/

[Image description: Amanda and her daughter standing together smiling in a busy gymnasium. Both are wearing martial arts gis uniforms.]

If you're affected by sight loss, we're here for you

04/01/2026

Happy World Braille day!

Last year we marked 200 years of braille, so here's to the next 200! Our webpage still has some great resources to find out more about braille and our services.

Find out more at: https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200/

[Image description: Some Scrabble tiles with braille on them, on a rack someone is holding. In front of them is a Scrabble board, with tactile squares to help with tile placement.]

02/01/2026

We've already got some dates lined up to visit museums and galleries across Glasgow this year- will you join us?

The first one coming up is next week, where we'll be heading to GoMA - Glasgow Museums on Wednesday 7 January for a special print making session.

Other visits will include object handling sessions and audio described tours with museum staff. We do have sighted guide support available. Come and join us!

Contact Conor to find out more: Conor.Joseph@rnib.org.uk

[Image description: The Gallery of Modern Art at night, it's grand columns and façade are lit up.]

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from RNIB Scotland!

What's your resolution for 2026? Could it involve volunteering with us? Have a look at our opportunities, or get in touch to find out more: rnibscotland@rnib.org.uk.

[Image description: A black graphic with white text reading, Happy New Year from RNIB Scotland! Colourful fireworks surround the text.]

31/12/2025

Did you know that in 2025, our ECLOs supported over 1,700 patients across Scotland?

ECLOs, which stands for Eye Care Liaison Officers, provide vital emotional and practical support. It may be for someone recently diagnosed with an eye condition such as cataracts or macular degeneration; or it could be someone whose vision is affected as the result of an accident. Whenever someone needs support on their eye care journey, an ECLO can help.

If you’d like to contact an ECLO, call us on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.

[Image Description: Our Highlands and Islands ECLO Anita standing proudly next to an RNIB Scotland display table. The table is covered with a bright pink cloth that says “RNIB Scotland - See differently” and is packed with useful gadgets and resources for blind and partially sighted people. There are large-print materials, tactile markers, and accessibility tools. Behind Anita, there’s a big yellow RNIB banner offering support and advice for anyone worried about their vision. The setting looks like a friendly community space, perfect for an outreach event where people can learn more about living independently with sight loss.]

30/12/2025

Accessible panto? Oh yes it is!

Claire had her first experience of audio description at this year’s panto in Edinburgh, ‘Jack And The Beanstalk’. From the moment Claire arrived, the King’s Theatre team made sure she had a great experience.

“Friendly staff introduced me to the audio description service and explained how it all worked,” Claire says. “Before the show, I found it really helpful that they read out the programme notes and described who would be in each scene. Then during the show, they described the stage, backdrop, performers, and all the comedic action without interrupting the dialogue. It was really great and enhanced the whole experience!

“I’m already planning to book my tickets for next year, and I’ll definitely be asking for audio description again!”

[Image description: Claire smiling in front of the Jack and the Beanstalk panto poster at the theatre, which has photos of the characters played by Allan Stewart, Grant Stott, and Jordan Young.]

Capital Theatres - Festival Theatre, Studio & King's Theatre

29/12/2025

This year, we’ve spoken to over 300 bus drivers about making bus journeys more accessible for blind and partially sighted passengers.

At our Swap With Me sessions, our volunteers sit down with drivers to share the challenges they face when travelling and how small actions from the person behind the wheel can make a huge difference.

Drivers also had the chance to try sim-specs, glasses that simulate different sight loss conditions, giving them a little insight into the barriers passengers face when hailing a bus, buying a ticket, or boarding.

And in true Swap With Me spirit, volunteers stepped into the driver’s cab to get a sense of the driver’s perspective too. Thanks to Lothian Buses, First Glasgow, First Aberdeen, and McGill's Buses for their ongoing engagement with us.

With the support of our fantastic volunteers, we’ll continue these sessions next year to build understanding, awareness, and ultimately make public transport better for everyone.

[Image description: 1. Hassan from First Bus wears sim-specs, glasses that simulate the visual experience of glaucoma, what is sometimes referred to as tunnel vision. Derek, one of our volunteers, sits beside him, smiling while holding his symbol cane. 2. A driver from McGill's sits down in a passenger seat wearing sim-specs, some colleagues and volunteers look on smiling. 3. A Lothian driver adjusts his sim-specs as he boards the bus.]

25/12/2025

Wishing you a holly-jolly Christmas!

Thank you so much to everyone who has helped make Scotland a more accessible and inclusive place this year!

[Image description: A large group of RNIB supporters smiling outside RNIB Scotland HQ at Hillside Crescent. The photo, taken at our Hillside reopening event in August, has added cartoon Santa hats on everyone, and festive decorations. Kate and Frankie the guide dogs have cartoon elf hats.]