RNIB Scotland – Page 3 – The NEN

People with sight loss urged to join lobby of election candidates

Over 8,500 blind and partially sighted people and their supporters across Scotland have been urged to join a concerted drive to contact their local candidates for the Scottish Parliament election in May.

The move comes after a year of lockdowns which sight loss charity RNIB Scotland says has exacerbated the issues that have made life more difficult for those with a visual impairment

It is linking people on its database to an online system that will let them quickly find and email the election candidates standing in their area.

“Covid highlighted some serious gaps in our services last year, gaps that were troubling enough in normal times but very alarming during a period of crisis,” said director James Adams.

“Vital information that sometimes wasn’t available initially in formats like audio and braille, access to online shopping, confusion over social distancing and guiding – not priorities for most people, perhaps, but absolutely essential to those who are blind and partially sighted.

“We want to mobilise our members and supporters to push their concerns onto the political agenda.”

In its own manifesto for the election, RNIB Scotland is calling for sight loss issues to be given more priority – not least a commitment that voting itself will be made more accessible for blind and partially people.

Research by RNIB last year found that only 13 per cent of one blind voters across the UK, and less than half of partially sighted voters (44 per cent), said they were able to vote independently and in private in the last General Election. A legal ruling in 2019 criticised existing arrangements for voters with sight loss as ‘a parody of the electoral process’.

The RNIB Scotland manifesto also calls for emotional support for people first diagnosed with sight loss, more specialist teachers in schools, disability benefits that better recognise the needs of blind and partially sighted people, and support in finding employment.

The charity wants an assurance, too, that the new post-covid emphasis on ‘active travel’ – which could see the legalisation of rented e-scooters – doesn’t infringe on the rights of people with disabilities to go safely outdoors.

“After the shock that was covid in 2020 we need to make our society safer and more resilient,” said Mr Adams. “But let’s grab this opportunity to make it fairer, too. Covid gave us all a sense of what it’s like to feel more vulnerable and unsure, more dependent on each other.

“Scotland should plan for more than just a return to yesterday in 2021 but aim towards a better tomorrow. Let’s make sure that the society and structures that we do at last come back to are open and inclusive for everyone.”

* The RNIB Helpline can be called on 0303 123 9999. The RNIB Scotland website is at www.rnib.org.uk/scotland.

Letters: Emergency Mental Health Sessions for blind people

Dear Editor,

2020 was a difficult year for everyone. Though hope is on the horizon, starting 2021 in lockdown is not how most of us wanted for January. It’s understandable that many people are feeling down and in need of a little extra emotional support.

The situation is especially challenging for those living with sight loss. Many have faced anxiety, sadness and even fear about the unique challenges they have experienced – problems such as social distancing, difficulty shopping without guidance and isolation from losing tactile contact with friends and family during lockdown.

That’s why RNIB has launched Emergency Mental Health Sessions for blind and partially sighted people.

The sessions are completely free and offer people with sight loss the opportunity to speak to a counsellor for an hour over the phone, about however they are feeling and any problems that are on their mind. It doesn’t have to be about their sight at all.

We know that the next few months might still be tough for many, so we want to remind you that RNIB is here to help. If you or someone you know could benefit from speaking to someone, please call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999. We can set up a chat within 36 hours and the service can be used as many times as needed.

No one with sight loss has to suffer on their own. Blind and partially sighted people deserve the same expectation of mental wellbeing as everyone else. That’s why RNIB in Scotland will always be here.

Thank you

James Adams

Director, Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland

12-14 Hillside Crescent, Edinburgh

Scotland should work towards a better tomorrow in 2021, says sight loss charity

Scotland should aim for more than just a return to yesterday in 2021, says national sight loss charity RNIB Scotland, but work towards a better tomorrow.

“Let’s make sure that the society and structures that we do finally return to are more open and inclusive for everyone,” urged director James Adams.

“Covid highlighted some serious gaps in our provision last year – gaps that were troubling enough in normal times but very alarming during a period of crisis. Vital information that sometimes wasn’t initially available in formats like audio and braille, confusion over social distancing and guiding – not priorities for most people, perhaps, but absolutely essential to those who are blind and partially sighted.”

RNIB Scotland will push for these issues to be given priority in the run up to the Scottish Parliament elections in May – not least a commitment that voting itself will be more accessible for blind and partially people.

It also wants a pledge that there will be no cuts to essential services for vulnerable groups, and that when full NHS eye-health services are resumed there is an emphasis on preventing avoidable sight loss

The charity is concerned, too, to ensure that the new post-covid emphasis on ‘active travel’ – which could see the legalisation of rented e-scooters – doesn’t infringe on the rights of people with disabilities to go safely outdoors. It will also call for a looming shortage of specialist school-teachers for children with sight loss to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

* The RNIB Helpline can be called on 0303 123 9999. The RNIB Scotland website is at www.rnib.org.uk/scotland.

‘Simple but far-reaching’: RNIB launches Holyrood manifesto

National sight loss charity RNIB Scotland is calling on all political parties to build on the greater social cohesiveness that the coronavirus crisis has engendered.

Launching its manifesto for next year’s Scottish Parliament elections, the charity’s director James Adams said: “The next Scottish Parliament will convene in a changed world. A world forced to re-evaluate things previously taken for granted, in which everyone has been made more aware of how dependent we are on each other.

“‘A Vision for the 2020s’ sets out simple but far-reaching steps that can create a more inclusive Scotland for blind and partially sighted people. Let’s seize this opportunity.”

The manifesto is calling on the next Scottish Government to launch a new campaign to emphasise the importance of regular eye examinations in preventing sight loss. Over 178,000 people in Scotland currently live with significant sight loss but this could potentially double if steps aren’t taken to contain it.

The manifesto also wants Ministers to report annually on the attainment figures for blind and partially sighted school pupils and train more specialist teachers as a matter of urgency. It highlights that only one in four blind and partially sighted adults are currently in paid employment.

‘Shared spaces’ schemes – where pedestrians and vehicles occupy the same level area – should be scrapped, the manifesto says, and a nationwide ban on pavement parking and advertising boards implemented.

People with sight loss claiming the new disability benefits devolved to Scotland should not have to undergo periodic reassessed if there is no realistic prospect of their condition improving. Any benefits awarded should cover the, often significant, additional costs of living with a visual impairment.

The manifesto is also calling for all public information to be available in accessible formats such as braille, large-print and audio, and for alternative voting methods to ensure people can cast their ballot independently and in secret.

Mr Adams said: “We want a health service that prevents avoidable sight loss and helps people come to terms with it when it isn’t.

“Education that helps every child reach their full potential, and employers who better understand what people with sight loss are capable of.

“Information that’s always available in alternative formats and public transport that’s always accessible.

“And we want our streets and thoroughfares to allow pedestrians to walk safely and without obstacles.

“Today’s coronavirus crisis has exacerbated many of the problems blind and partially sighted people face. But it’s brought to the fore, too, some of the best instincts of our society. That generosity of spirit can be the spur for a new deal for people with sight loss and other disabilities.

“Let’s make that one lasting legacy of the parliamentary term ahead.”

* www.rnib.org.uk/scotland

Awareness week warns of ‘ticking time-bomb’ of preventable sight loss

Concerns are being raised that the coronavirus crisis may lead to a ‘ticking time-bomb’ of preventable sight loss if people neglect eye-treatment or regular check-ups.

A drive to emphasise the importance of maintaining eye-health and reassure the public it is safe to visit their local optometrist begins at the start of National Eye-Health Week today.

Eye examinations, which are NHS funded in Scotland, can not only detect early signs of sight problems, in time to arrest or reverse damage, but sometimes pick up the symptoms of other serious health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes to name just a few.

One woman visited an optometrist at an Emergency Eye Treatment Centre after experiencing blurred vision then sight loss in one eye, and was referred to hospital where she received potentially life-saving treatment for a brain aneurysm.

Another patient was referred to hospital after his optician investigated a shadow on his retina – he was found to have suffered a mini eye stroke, and by chance during his tests kidney cancer was also detected before it metastasised allowing him to be referred for vital treatment.

During National Eye-Health Week, Optometry Scotland and national sight loss charity RNIB Scotland are joining forces to boost the eye-health message.

David Quigley, chair of Optometry Scotland, said: “Community Optometrists and Opticians practices remain the first port of call for any eye problems and we want to reassure the public that a range of enhanced hygiene measures, including NHS-approved PPE, are in place across practices, enabling patients to seek effective care in a safe environment.

“If you have any concerns whatsoever about your eye health, or you’re due a routine eye examination, don’t delay in contacting your local optician. We are open and ready to help. It’s important not to turn up without an appointment so please make sure you call in advance.”

RNIB Scotland has produced a series of photographs of iconic Scottish landmarks distorted by the effects of common sight loss conditions.

“We want to illustrate the potential consequences of not maintaining good eye-health,” said its director James Adams. “Some people have expressed concern over attending optometrist or eye clinic appointments, or are worried about using public transport to get there. We’ve even heard some people say they don’t want to ‘bother’ optometrists during this crisis period.

“Every survey shows that sight is the sense people fear losing most. And yet we can be surprisingly complacent about our eyes. During National Eye Health Week, we want to remind everyone to take care one of the most precious things we have – our sight.”

During the awareness week optometrists will take part in question and answer sessions on RNIB’s Connect radio station, while Stuart McMillan MSP, chair of the Scottish Parliament’s cross party group on visual impairment, will table a parliamentary motion highlighting the message.

* PHOTOGRAPHS show Edinburgh Castle as seen by someone with age-related macular degeneration, and the Scottish Parliament as seen by someone with glaucoma.

Annette tackles Kiltwalk challenge to support RNIB

Leith resident Annette West has helped to raise £2,250 for sight loss charity RNIB Scotland after taking part in the Virtual Kiltwalk last Sunday.

Annette (above, left)was one of eight people who walked six miles along the Water of Leith, in two groups of four to maintain social distancing.

“I have experienced sight loss for over 30 years but have always been helped and supported by RNIB Scotland,” says Annette (60). “I just wanted to do the Virtual Kiltwalk to help give something back.

“I found the walk very easy and relaxing. I also found that pathway easy to get around as there was not too many steps. Socially distancing was only a problem when the path was narrow and when people in the opposite direction were trying to pass by. I think the route is very popular for walkers on Sundays.

“It was really good to meet up and spend quality time with friends before we all went back to our own lockdown homes. It gave me a sense of freedom by being out in the open. I also felt re-connected with nature and that it was great to meet other human beings.

“After the walk I felt that my spirits had been lifted and that going back home, I was mentally and physically in a good place.”

You can still donate to Annette’s fundraising page for RNIB Scotland until Monday 21 September: https://edinburghkiltwalk2020.everydayhero.com/uk/netwalk2020

Annette will do Kiltwalk along Water of Leith to say thank you to sight loss charity

Undeterred by lockdown, the Edinburgh Kiltwalk is happening in virtual form this year, and still inviting people to raise funds for their favourite charity, money that will be topped up by a further 50 percent from Sir Tom Hunter’s Foundation.

Clearly, tartan-clad hordes can’t descend on the streets of the capital as in previous years. Instead, this September the Virtual Kiltwalk can be completed in your local area, keeping within social distancing guidelines. Over the weekend September 11-13th you simply don some tartan, go for a walk of any length, and raise funds for your chosen cause.

But if walking isn’t your thing the organisers invite you to create your own Kiltwalk challenge. You can skip a mile in tartan, do a kilted ‘trampoline-a-thon’, or even an all-day Highland fling!

Annette West is both walking and talking the walk. She will be raising much needed funds for sight loss charity RNIB Scotland, which is based in Edinburgh.

“I have experienced sight loss for over 30 years but have always been helped and supported by RNIB Scotland,” says Annette (60). “Since having two successful eye operations to restore my sight four years ago my life has changed again. I now feel that I want to give back something to RNIB Scotland by taking part in the Virtual Kiltwalk.”

Annette aims to walk the Water of Leith on Sunday, September 13th, starting from Cannon Mills and finishing at Colinton, a distance of six miles.

“People can either join me at the start and do the whole walk to the finish, or join me anywhere along the route,” she says. “I was inspired by listening to Kings Church Sunday service on YouTube and they talked about walking along the Water of Leith. It was a light-bulb moment as I live in Leith and can invite a few of my friends to join me along different sections and make my way back home.

“The Water of Leith is beautiful and local so, taking into account social distancing and restrictions which may still be in place, I can do a mini walk.

“I decided to do the Virtual Kiltwalk after a conversation with a friend, Irene, who I have known and have worked with for many years but who is terminally ill with cancer. She suggested to me that I could get a piece of paper and write whatever came into my head relating to why I might want to do the virtual Kiltwalk.

“So I thought, firstly, this is my way of saying thank you to the RNIB Scotland for all the years that they have helped me on my sight loss journey. I want to help other people with sight loss by sharing my story, knowledge and experience. I want to help them feel confident about themselves in order to live happy, meaningful and purposeful daily lives.

“I also believe that staying mentally healthy is essential. During this period of lockdown we all have to take responsibility for our own mental state and this has given me something to focus on. I feel that a healthy mind and body go hand in hand. During lockdown, I have found it very difficult to take exercise and stay motivated. But since hearing about the Virtual Kiltwalk, I have become re-energised and it has rekindled my passion for walking.

“And as a radio presenter with the Heart Song Live station, I can appreciate the value of sharing my story and hope that it can help to inspire, encourage and help others to fully live their lives.”

To sponsor Annette, please donate to her page at

https://edinburghkiltwalk2020.everydayhero.com/uk/netwalk2020

Emerging Out Of Lockdown Is Something To Sing About

A ‘virtual choir’ of ten blind and partially sighted people has recorded their own version of The Proclaimers iconic ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’, the chart-topping hit that became an instant classic of Scottish pop.

But this version [https://www.facebook.com/RNIB.Scotland/] has changed the lyrics to give a humorous take on the frustrations and difficulties that people with sight loss have experienced during lockdown.

Mike Holroyd, who brings the RNIB Scotland Connect Singers together over the phone, said: “When it comes to social distancing, too often sighted people think that others are being careless if they are getting too close to them. But the reality is that those who are blind or partially sighted can’t always fully see other people even when they are alongside.

“Singing has become an important pass-time during lockdown in many countries, and this has certainly been true for some of our members in Scotland.

“Our singers, who continue to meet over the phone each week, decided to write a song about some of the challenges they face as we emerge out of lockdown. They were all involved in writing and re-writing lines of the song until everyone was happy with the result.

“We asked Steven Johnson, an RNIB Scotland volunteer and himself a singer/song-writer, to record some guitar and vocals. We were then able to add piano and further vocals through sending audio-files backwards and forwards and even collecting some vocals via phone call.

“This has been a fun project. But it also highlights a serious issue. Many of us who are blind and partially sighted do not find social distancing easy, and so we will need the wider community to understand and maybe offer a bit of support if needed. We have heard stories of blind and partially sighted people being shouted at because they have not been aware of queues or been unable to judge distances. This song conveys a serious message in a light hearted way.

“The Proclaimers music publishers have been very generous in allowing us to borrow their tune for this song.”

The choir members come from Edinburgh, Stirling, Ayrshire and Glasgow.

To listen to the song, please go to https://www.facebook.com/RNIB.Scotland/

Alternative lyrics to ‘I’m Gonna BE… (500 Miles)’

After lockdown, well I know I’m gonna need

I’m gonna need a bit of freedom just like you.

And when I go out, yeah I know I may well need

Someone to guide me when I’m walking just like you.

If I get drunk, well I know I’m gonna be

I’m gonna be the one who gets drunk just like you.

And when I travel, yeah I know I’m gonna be

I’m gonna be the one who travels just like you.

But social distancing is something

I will find it hard to do

And all I ask is understanding

That I can’t see quite like you.

When I’m working, yeah I know I’m gonna be

I’m gonna be the one who’s working just like you.

When I’m shopping, yeah I know I’m gonna spend

I’m gonna spend my pounds and pennies just like you.

When I go home, well I know I’m gonna be

I’m gonna be so pleased I went out just like you.

And if I grow old, well I know I’m gonna be

I’m going to be so glad of kind folk just like you.

But social distancing is something

I will find it hard to do

And all I ask is understanding

That I can’t see quite like you.

Ba-da-da …

After lockdown

After lockdown …

Well I’m not lonely, I’m not lonely cos I know

I’m only one quick call or text away from you

And when I’m dreaming, well I know I’m gonna dream

I’m gonna dream about the time when this is through

And when we go out, yeah we know we’re gonna need

Someone to guide us when we’re walking just like you.

And when we come home well we know we’re gonna be

We’re gonna be so glad we’ve freedom just like you

But social distancing is something

I will find it hard to do

And all I ask is understanding

That I can’t see quite like you.

Ba-da-da-da …

No more lockdown

All together again…

Ba-da-da-da…

After lockdown

After lockdown …

Don’t ignore eye check-ups – they can save your sight!

Optometric practices (opticians) have now reopened in Scotland and a charity is urging people to resume treatment and eye examinations which may prevent later sight loss.

Eye examinations are free in Scotland and can spot the first signs of sight problems when impairment of vision can be arrested or even reversed.

James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland, said: “The coronavirus has eclipsed other concerns in the public consciousness lately, but we still have to be aware of maintaining our wider health, including our eyes. That’s why it’s very important we still go for regular eye examinations and continue treatment that can save sight.”

The charity is pointing to a recent survey by ophthalmic professionals that found that up to 50 per cent of people with acute or urgent eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of sight loss in Britain, had missed appointments during the peak of lockdown.

David Quigley, chair of professional body Optometry Scotland, said the emphasis was on ensuring a safe environment and experience for patients and staff. “So while appointments may be a little different as we closely follow Government guidelines, optometrists can now offer a wide spectrum of eyecare, including routine exams, which are crucial in maintaining eye health and reducing avoidable sight loss.

“The sector is also embracing technology to continue to offer remote services where appropriate, something we are keen to encourage as we move into a new reality of care. We encourage patients to phone their local optometrist in the first instance, who will assess whether they are best served remotely or in practice and will make an appointment as necessary.”

Home visits will be available for those who can’t attend a practice without assistance. This could be someone who is shielding, needs the support of carers, is unable to travel to a practice, or is temporarily injured. Most parts of a routine eye exam can be carried out and a broad spectrum of treatment can be administered too.

Optometry Scotland has produced a video [https://bit.ly/2AZ55VO] with RNIB Scotland explaining the special procedures in place for blind and partially sighted people when visiting their local optometrist practice.

* RNIB’s ‘Eye health during Coronavirus: What to do and what to expect’ leaflet is available here – https://www.rnib.org.uk/sites/default/files/eye-health-coronavirus-tips-2.pdf.

For more information on what to do if you have concerns about your sight, call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit rnib.org.uk/eyehealth.

Letters: Let’s make sure the Scotland we return to is inclusive for everyone

Dear Editor

As lockdown eases the Scottish Government wants us to walk and cycle more, to reduce passenger numbers on public transport and encourage us all to keep fit and healthy.

RNIB Scotland believes this ‘Spaces for People’ initiative could transform active travel for everyone. However, we remain concerned that, if these moves are introduced too hastily, with not enough thought given to people who are blind or partially sighted or who have other mobility issues, it could actually end up putting barriers in place.

We want space for new cycle lanes to be taken from roads not pavements, for new designs to avoid the shared spaces concept, for clutter to be removed from our streets, and for controlled crossings to the road or bus stops to be installed. This will make things safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

The current situation has made us all a little more aware of what it is like to feel vulnerable, to depend more on others. Let’s build on the sense of greater cohesiveness this crisis has created and make sure the Scotland we return to is inclusive for everyone.

James Adams

Director, Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland

12-14 Hillside Crescent

Edinbugh