Sight Scotland – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Life-Changing Free Rail Travel for Blind Scots and Companions Launched

Sight loss charities have hailed the ‘life-changing’ pilot scheme that will provide free rail travel for companions of blind and partially sighted individuals on all Scotrail train journeys.

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans highlight the profound impact this initiative will have in reducing loneliness and isolation, fostering independence, and enhancing mental well-being.

Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart, officially launched the pilot scheme at Anniesland Station this week, and was joined by Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, along with representatives and campaigners from Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, both of which have driven the successful Fair Rail Campaign.

Under this new pilot scheme, individuals holding an eye +1 National Entitlement Card (NEC) will be able to travel with a companion at no additional cost starting 01 April 2025.

The pilot scheme, which will run for one year, aims to make train travel more affordable and accessible for blind and partially sighted passengers by introducing a consistent, nationwide policy for free companion rail travel, aligning with existing concessionary bus and ferry travel across Scotland.

Ms Stewart said: “I am genuinely delighted to be launching this pilot, which is testament to the hard work by all those involved in the campaign to bring this about.

“Making rail travel more accessible and affordable for people with sight loss is an important step in helping them access communities, education, and employment.”

Claire Dickie, ScotRail Commercial Director, said: “At ScotRail, we are committed to improving accessibility and ensuring that our services are as inclusive as possible for all customers.

“This trial initiative is an important step towards making travel easier for those who rely on assistance when using our services.”

Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government is introducing this pilot. After over two years of campaigning, this is a significant achievement for our Fair Rail Campaign.

“Thanks to collaboration with ScotRail and Transport Scotland, rail travel will become more accessible and affordable for people with sight loss across Scotland.

“For many visually impaired individuals, public transport is essential, yet travelling alone is often not an option, and the cost of a companion ticket can be prohibitive.

“This new policy will make a real difference, supporting rehabilitation, promoting independence, and ensuring that people with vision impairments remain connected with their communities.”

Joe Tottenham, a 92-year-old army veteran, who is supported by Sight Scotland Veterans, comments: “I’m so proud to be part of the Fair Rail campaign led by Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans who have campaigned tirelessly on this issue.

“Knowing no matter where I’m going in Scotland that my companion can travel with me at no extra cost will change my life. As a blind person, having someone to help me get on and off the train is vital – I’d be lost without them.”  

Colette Walker, who is visually impaired and co- chair of Sight Scotland’s policy group, adds: “This will make such a difference to me financially, as well as to my safety and quality of life.”

The Fair Rail Campaign was launched over two years ago, calling for a national policy to provide free rail travel across Scotland for the companions of those with a National (Scotland) Concessionary Travel for Blind Persons card.

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans were approached by many individuals with sight loss who were concerned about rising travel costs and the confusion surrounding various concessionary schemes.

The charities brought the issue to the Scottish Parliament, where it was debated in a Members Debate brought forward by Graham Simpson MSP and considered in the Fair Fares Review, ultimately leading to this pilot scheme.

Mr Simpson commented: “I welcome the launch of the fair rail campaign pilot. This is long overdue after many years of campaigning by Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, who first brought the issue to my attention several years ago.

“I held a Members’ Debate in the Parliament on this issue in 2022. Last year, the Fair Fares Review made a loose commitment to a pilot project, so I am pleased to see that the Scottish Government is finally addressing this important issue.

“For many blind and partially sighted people, having a companion can mean the difference between travelling or not travelling. This pilot is a step in the right direction, but I would urge the Scottish Government to get on with implementing a national policy that entitles the companions of people with sight loss to free rail travel, to make our rail network more equitable and accessible for everyone.”

For more information please visit sightscotland.org.uk.

Digital Hub transforms life of vision-impaired veteran who had been housebound for two years

A weekly phone call has had a life-changing effect on four vision-impaired veterans, including one who had not left his house for over two years following the loss of his wife and his sight loss diagnosis.

The four veterans, Ann McLean, Jack McVitie, John Barber, and Helen Bennett, meet virtually through Sight Scotland Veterans’ Digital Hub every Wednesday to chat, support each other, and take part in lively quizzes. For them, these calls offer much more than just entertainment; they are a vital source of connection, belonging, and emotional support.

For John Barber, 74, who lives in Dunfermline and has macular degeneration, the group has completely transformed his life. John, a former member of the Territorial Army, was devastated after the loss of his wife. His vision loss and grief plunged him into a cycle of isolation, leaving him housebound for more than two years.

John explains: “When my wife died, I was extremely lonely and isolated, I just didn’t know what to do. I had lost all my confidence and spent two years barely leaving my house, staring at the walls 24 hours a day. But Sight Scotland Veterans has changed my life. The Wednesday Digital Hub group is the highlight of my week. Before, I didn’t speak to anyone all week long. I was so low, but now I’ve made real friends.

“I honestly believe the charity saved my life. I feel like a different person now, even though I still have hard days. Knowing there are people who genuinely care about you makes all the difference. The calls and the quizzes are the highlight of my week, and I just would not miss them. The fun and laughter we enjoy during these calls, it’s just amazing and I can’t thank them enough.”

John recently visited Sight Scotland Veterans’ Linburn Centre in West Lothian to meet up with his Digital Hub friends face-to-face for the first time.

“It was the first time I’d left my house in years, and it was an incredible experience. Meeting everyone face-to-face for the first time was very emotional, I enjoyed it so much. The Linburn Centre was fantastic, and seeing all the ways they support everyone was really impressive.

“The friendships and support I’ve gained from the Wednesday calls have given me the courage to start living again.”

Since John’s first visit to Linburn, his life has completely transformed. He has moved into sheltered housing, returned to the Linburn Centre with plans to become a regular visitor, and even ventured out to his local pub!

Jack McVitie, a former police officer who lost his sight due to diabetes, agrees that the weekly calls have had a profound impact on his life. “The Wednesday call is chaotic and full of laughter, but most importantly, we support each other.

“Before the charity stepped in, I was suicidal, I had lost my sense of purpose. But Sight Scotland Veterans gave me my worth back. Curtis and Donna from the Digital Hub team have so much enthusiasm, and you can tell they genuinely care about what they do.”

Donna McIntyre, Digital Activity Worker at Sight Scotland Veterans, comments: “For these veterans, the Digital Hub is more than just a service, it’s a lifeline.

“It combats the isolation that so often accompanies vision loss and provides them with a sense of community, purpose, and belonging. It’s truly inspiring to witness the strong friendship these four have formed.

“It’s a reminder of how important connection is in life, and the camaraderie they’ve developed is nothing short of remarkable.”

Sight Scotland Veterans’ Digital Hub was created to combat loneliness and isolation and to help veterans connect, chat, and take part in fun activities. Every week, more than 90 veterans join the Digital Hub for virtual calls.

These aren’t just for entertainment; they’re opportunities to build friendships, share experiences, and feel part of something that’s both uplifting and meaningful.

The Digital Hub proves that technology can bring people together, no matter where you live.

For more information please visit sightscotlandveterans.org.uk or call 0800 035 6409.

Minister backs Sight Scotland’s push to break down accessibility barriers in Scottish venues

Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart recently met with Sight Scotland’s Policy Group to discuss the importance of improving access and inclusion in Scotland’s venues. She stressed that everyone should have the freedom to enjoy life and visit places of their choice, such as theatres, cinemas, concert halls, galleries and attractions, without facing accessibility barriers.

Sight Scotland’s Policy Group, made up of blind and partially sighted members, released the ‘Enhancing Accessibility: Venues and Visual Impairment’ report last year. It highlights major accessibility issues in Scottish venues and calls for improvements to ensure equal access for all.

Using real experiences, the report identifies common barriers, including poor communication, inaccessible booking systems, lack of audio descriptions or touch tours, untrained staff, and design flaws like low colour contrast, missing tactile elements, and unclear signage. It also shares best practices to inspire venues to improve accessibility for visually impaired visitors.

Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “I was delighted to discuss what actions we can take to strengthen accessibility standards for visual impairment with members of the Sight Scotland team and their policy group.

“Although it’s clear that many barriers remain, I was inspired to hear how blind and partially sighted people are working closely with Sight Scotland and range of other partners to deliver best practice building on the Accessible Venues Campaign and Report.

“Across government we’re working to embed equality and inclusion across all areas of life, including the arts and culture. One way we’re doing this is through All In – a new access scheme for creative and culture in the UK and Ireland.

“It’s being developed as a partnership between Creative Scotland and the arts councils of England, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales to improve access and remove barriers for deaf, disabled, neurodivergent and visually impaired people in creative and culture spaces.

“Although our power to legislate on equality is limited, we’re working to drive positive change for disabled people in Scotland including investing an additional £2 million to enhance our Disability Equality Plan.”

Sight Scotland Policy Group member, Amanda Whitfield, from Edinburgh, who was diagnosed with Stargardt disease in 2016, comments: “It was wonderful to welcome the Equalities Minister to our policy group and discuss with her the accessibility challenges that blind and partially sighted people face when trying to access venues.

“I absolutely love music and going to concerts, but booking tickets feels like an impossible task. Sight loss is an invisible disability, and it often feels like I’m being excluded from enjoying live music like everyone else.

“Everything is done online or digitally – from booking your ticket to even ordering drinks on the night. You can’t just speak to someone and explain your needs.

“Instead, you’re stuck in long virtual queues, forced to choose a seat from a visual plan, and often left to struggle with inaccessible websites that don’t support zooming or screen readers.

“It’s frustrating, disheartening, and it shouldn’t be this hard for people with vision impairment to enjoy live events.”

Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, said: “We’re grateful to the Minister for meeting with our Policy Group and helping to highlight the daily accessibility challenges faced by people with vision impairment.

“Inaccessible venues exclude those with sight loss from arts and cultural events, increasing isolation and loneliness.

“Our Accessible Venues Report outlines key issues and calls for improvements such as a standardised booking system for accessible seats, audio descriptions, touch tours for all performances, and mandatory visual impairment awareness and sighted guide training for staff.

“Small changes can make a big difference to inclusivity.”

Download the Enhancing Accessibility: Venues and Visual Impairment report here:

https://sightscotland.org.uk/accessible-venues#AccessibleVenuesReportDownload

Sight Scotland launches new strategy to transform lives of people with sight loss

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans have unveiled an ambitious new three-year strategy, aiming to transform the lives of people with sight loss across Scotland. The strategy focuses on building an inclusive future where people of all visual abilities can thrive.

With over 180,000 people in Scotland impacted by vision impairment, the charities are determined to extend their reach, support, and influence to ensure no one faces sight loss alone.

Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, said: “We’ve been supporting people affected by visual impairment for over two centuries, but we know we can do more.

“Our new strategy is about building on our proud history to make sure we are ready for the future. Our vision is an inclusive Scotland where everyone, regardless of their sight, has the opportunity to thrive.

“By focusing on prevention, support, research, and campaigning, we will deliver real change for people impacted by sight loss, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.”

Over the next three years, Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans will focus on five key areas:

Investing in impactful support that will prioritise initiatives that make the biggest difference to people living with vision impairment while securing the organisation’s long-term sustainability.
Putting its community at the heart of what it does by listening to and empowering people with lived experience of sight loss.
Campaigning for positive change. The charity will raise awareness of sight loss at both political and local levels, pushing for meaningful societal change.
Accelerating prevention and treatment by advocating for more investment to prevent avoidable sight loss and improve treatments.
Fostering a collaborative culture of innovation by investing in its workforce and fostering collaboration, the organisation will drive innovation and maximise its impact.

Craig Spalding continued: “We owe it to future generations to continue evolving. We want to reach more people, champion their needs, and invest in research that can transform lives.

“This strategy is our commitment to doing just that.”

For more information visit: sightscotland.org.uk

Sight Loss Charities Demand Eye Hospital Closure Answers

‘Waiting Times Will Soar and Patient Care will Suffer’

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are urgently seeking answers from NHS Lothian regarding the temporary closure of the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh due to emergency repair works.

The sight loss charities are questioning the six-month closure timeline and are warning that it will result in longer waiting times and declining patient care, putting the eye health and mental wellbeing of thousands at heightened risk.

During a recent round table discussion in the Scottish Parliament on Monday 30th September, Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland, along with NHS Lothian’s Interim Chief Executive Jim Crombie, MSPs Sue Webber, Miles Briggs, and Sarah Boyack, and representatives from Visibility Scotland, RNIB Scotland, Sight Scotland’s Policy Group and the KEEP campaign, discussed the implications of the temporary closure.

Key concerns raised included:

Resilience and Contingency Plans: Clarity is needed on how NHS Lothian will handle patient reallocations, especially if moving patients to other locations becomes unviable, and what longer-term contingency plans exist if repairs exceed the 6-month timeframe.
Relocation of Services: NHS Lothian must confirm where outpatient, inpatient, day care, and emergency services will be provided during the closure.
Communication and Patient Support: Will NHS Lothian commit to timely, accessible updates and appointment information (e.g., large print, colour contrast, Braille, telephone calls) and ensure consistent patient support services throughout the disruption?
Transport and Accessibility: What transport options will be available for patients, especially those struggling to reach new locations? Will NHS Lothian seek to secure additional funds from the Scottish Government for taxis and ambulances?
Access to Medication: How will patients access medication from the specialist pharmacy, and will community pharmacies be an alternative?
Patient Data: How will patient data records be secured and shared, and what system will ensure quick transfer of essential paperwork to prevent delays in CVI registration?

Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, comments: “We are extremely concerned that the health and wellbeing of eye patients in Edinburgh and the Lothians is being overlooked once again.

“The temporary closure of the eye hospital raises serious questions about patient care, continuity of services, and access to essential treatments.

“This building has been deemed unfit for purpose for over a decade, yet NHS Lothian is set to pour millions into patching up a leaky roof, while the entire facility remains a disaster zone.

“This is a significant blow to patients in a region where ophthalmology services are already severely strained. With waiting times at an all-time high, they are now expected to worsen, causing further delays to vital treatments and placing the eye health and mental wellbeing of thousands at serious risk.

“Since the building was declared unfit for purpose in 2014, outpatient waiting times have quadrupled. Now, less than a third of patients are seen within 12 weeks, compared to 90% ten years ago. Patients cannot afford to wait this long for critical treatments, and it’s only going to get worse.

“There are so many urgent questions which need answered. What resilience plans are in place if some patient reallocations to alternative sites prove unviable?

“What contingency measures exist if the repairs extend beyond the planned six-month timeframe, will there be increased funding if the £1.8 million allocated for emergency repairs falls short? Where will those needing access to emergency eye care go?

“It is essential NHS Lothian works in partnership with third-sector organisations to support vulnerable patients during this difficult time, as many of them will be severely impacted.”

“The recent roundtable made it clear that concerns are widespread, and there’s still no comprehensive plan to improve eye care in the capital. We must keep pushing NHS Lothian and the Scottish Government for answers, both for immediate solutions and long-term improvements.

“How many more lives must be disrupted before funding for a new eye hospital is finally secured?”

For more information, visit sightscotland.org.uk  

First Blind Yoga Classes Launched by Sight Scotland

Sight Scotland is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever yoga classes specifically designed for people living with vision impairment. These inclusive sessions offer blind and partially sighted individuals the opportunity to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of yoga in a safe, supportive environment.

Led by Community Activity Worker and experienced yoga instructor, Tamas Danyi-Nagy, who moved to Scotland from Hungary around nine years ago, the classes are carefully tailored to meet the unique needs of visually impaired participants.

Using clear verbal instructions and guided movements, the sessions focus on gentle exercises that promote relaxation, strength, and mobility.

Tamas, who lives in Mussleburgh, explains, “These are Scotland’s only yoga classes designed specifically for blind and partially sighted people.

“All exercises are done seated and adapted to suit those with vision impairments. The sessions are great for mental health and help ease the stress of living with sight loss. The classes are calming, social, and beneficial for mobility. Just because someone has vision impairment or mobility challenges doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy yoga.”

The classes include a range of movements, such as shoulder, arm, neck, back, and leg exercises, as well as eye exercises aimed at reducing tension and improving peripheral vision. Meditation and breathing techniques are also a key part of each session, helping participants relax and reduce stress.

Tamas, who is also a volunteer befriender for Sight Scotland, emphasises that yoga is for everyone, regardless of age or physical ability: “In the Western world, yoga is often portrayed as young athletes doing complex poses, but that’s only a small part of yoga.

“My classes focus on slow, controlled movements and mindfulness, which are accessible to all.

“The classes are specially designed for people who are blind or visually impaired, with clear instructions on how to move the body. We focus on slow, controlled movements while seated, helping to strengthen muscles and relieve tension, including around the eyes.

“Meditation and breathing exercises (pranayama) are a key part of the sessions, with mindfulness techniques that anyone can easily use in daily life. If you’d like to feel better in both body and mind, join us at Portobello Library every Friday from 12:00 to 13:00.”

Shona Black, from Musselburgh, attended her first blind yoga class recently, said: “I wasn’t sure how the blind yoga sessions would work, but I really enjoyed it. Tam is a great instructor, and the class was both relaxing and a good workout. It helps ease stress, and it’s a wonderful social experience.

Making yoga accessible for people with vision impairment is such a great idea, as often people with sight loss can be quite isolated and this can affect their mental health. I also take part in all-ability health walks in Musselburgh and Haddington, and an In-Tandem East Lothian group will be launching soon.

“All these activities are ideal for staying active, socialising, and supporting mental well-being.”

For more details, or to join a class, please contact Sight Scotland on 0800 024 8973 or email tamas.danyinagy@sightscotland.org.uk.

For more information, visit sightscotland.org.uk.

Sight Loss Councils: Ellen aims to inspire a future focused on accessibility

Ellen Doherty, 47, from Glasgow, who has macular degeneration due to Stargardt’s disease, became one of Scotland’s first Sight Loss Council volunteers earlier this year and is determined to inspire others to make accessibility a priority.

Ellen, who spoke at a fringeeEvent on street accessibility at the weekend as part of the SNP Conference, is a highly independent person but she still faces daily challenges including poor street accessibility. Navigating streets can be difficult and stressful due to the lack of visual cues, unexpected obstacles, and inconsistent designs.

A trained mental health professional and mindfulness tutor at Strathclyde University, Ellen explains that sight loss is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can face, with constant reminders every time they open their eyes.

Simply leaving the house or visiting places requires extensive planning, and confidence can be easily shaken. This is why it’s crucial to involve people with vision impairments in planning for street accessibility and to use their lived experiences to guide informed decisions.

Ellen comments on her sight loss: “When I was seventeen, I was struggling to see the blackboard at school, so I went to the opticians with my parents to see if I needed glasses.

“I was told I had Stargardt’s disease and that I would lose my eyesight prematurely. This was obviously a huge shock, but I just got on with my life and tried not to think about it. I wasn’t given any real information about what was happening, or offered any help or support, so I just pushed it down and tried to pretend everything was normal. I was 17 years old, it really meant nothing to me.

“So I finished school and went to university, and then in my final year, when I was twenty-one, I lost my central vision almost overnight. It was very overwhelming and traumatic. I drove myself to the eye hospital where I was given my CVI certificate, and then I had to get the bus home.

Again I tried to supress my feelings and tried to pretend it wasn’t happening. I finished my pharmacology degree at university and got a 2.1; but I now couldn’t use it as you can’t do benchtop science with vision impairment.

So, I went back to university to do a master’s in psychology, but I hadn’t really thought about the impact my sight loss would have on this. Eventually, I had to put this on hold for a year as I wasn’t prepared to cope with my new reality, I didn’t even have a magnifier to help me read.

“For years I struggled to come to terms with my sight loss, so I didn’t want to talk about it, I didn’t want to ask for help, I just tried to ignore it. My approach has always been to keep my head down and just get through it.

My vision impairment isn’t obvious and for a long time I didn’t want to over enclose, I didn’t want to talk about it and felt like it wasn’t anyone else’s business. At 30 I also developed MS which impacted my sight loss further. MS can be brought on by a traumatic event so it could have been my sight loss which caused this.

“I have always been hesitant to engage with sight loss groups. Since losing my sight was not something I wanted in the first place and it already occupies so much of my life, I didn’t want it to take up any more space.

However, I now realise the importance of talking and sharing, both for myself and others, and that I have a lot to offer through my lived experiences and work experiences. There needs to be more general education about vision impairment and improved awareness-raising, as vision impairment can mean so many different things.”

Ellen’s experience with sight loss, much like many others, has been deeply traumatic. She now aims to help others through her work as a mindfulness and wellbeing tutor and volunteer for the Sight Loss Councils.

“This is one of the main reasons why I am so happy to join the Sight Loss Councils. My skillset centres around helping people, and there’s a significant need to enhance the help and support provided to blind and partially sighted individuals.

” From my own perspective, it was so difficult to lose my eyesight rapidly, I desperately needed help and guidance so I could come to terms with what was happening. I felt like my eyesight had been snatched away and I just didn’t know what to do, or to whom to turn. I now know this shouldn’t have happened and that I should have been given far more help and support.

Ellen adds: “When someone experiences sight loss, they need help to stay on the right path, including psychological therapy, mobility and accessibility assistance, and help with employment. No one should be left to navigate sight loss alone.

“It is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can endure, with constant reminders every time they open their eyes. Escaping from it is impossible. For those who haven’t experienced it, it is very difficult to understand. This is why it is so important that we use lived experience to raise awareness and ultimately make changes.”

Sight Loss Councils are delivered in Scotland by Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans and Visibility Scotland and funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust.

For more information please visit sightscotland.org.uk

City of Edinburgh Council slammed for allocating just £50K to upgrade ‘Deathtrap’ Junction

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are calling on the City of Edinburgh Council to clarify how the funds allocated for improving the junction of Telford Road, Hillhouse Road, and Strachan Road will enhance pedestrian safety.

Labelled ‘Deathtrap Junction,’ this is one of the busiest junctions in the capital, yet its pedestrian crossing facilities are woefully inadequate. The complex layout, coupled with fast-moving traffic, makes it dangerous and inaccessible for all pedestrians and nearly impossible to navigate for most blind and partially sighted individuals.

The pedestrian crossings lack audible signals and revolving cones, with many in need of basic repairs. The limited protective barriers at the junction increase the vulnerability of all pedestrians, while Strachan Road is particularly hazardous, as it has no pedestrian crossing facilities at all despite the constant flow of fast-moving traffic.

The charities, along with local Inverleith Ward Councillors, are concerned that the limited budget allocated for improvements will do nothing to enhance pedestrian safety.

Caroline Hedley, a Rehabilitation and Mobility Worker with Sight Scotland, expressed her concerns: “While we appreciate the Council’s acknowledgment that the junction needs upgrading, I am left very disappointed by the limited funding being allocated.

“I struggle to see how this will significantly improve safety for pedestrians, especially those with vision impairments. We’re talking about people’s lives here. This is a densely populated area where residents need to cross these roads to reach the only local doctor’s and then again to get to the chemist for prescriptions.

“With schools and a mosque nearby, it’s clear that upgrading this junction is essential, even if it’s costly and causes traffic congestion.

“People’s safety should never be compromised, and I worry that the Council is prioritising traffic flow over pedestrian safety. I have clients living close to this junction and I need to explain to them that it’s just not safe for them to cross on their own, which is unacceptable.”

Local Inverleith Cllr Hal Osler (Lib Dem) expressed appreciation to Sight Scotland for bringing attention to the well-documented issues at the Farmers junction: “The Council must do better and prioritise projects like this, as providing safe, accessible crossings for the most vulnerable benefits everyone in our society.

“The funding allocated for this upgrade is far too low, and more must be done. While the Council claims to prioritise pedestrians over traffic, their actions don’t reflect this commitment.

“Ensuring that everyone can safely navigate this junction shouldn’t be up for debate—it’s a necessity. It’s great the Sight Scotland campaign has made the Council start listening, but it’s not enough, and once again, the most vulnerable are being overlooked.”

Fellow local councillor Cllr Max Mitchell (Conservative) adds: “I have been proud to support Sight Scotland’s campaign, and while the inclusion of this junction among the prioritised projects is a step in the right direction, it’s also a clear acknowledgment of the significant safety issues here.

“Although I welcome the funding allocated to address some aspects of Strachan Road, I am deeply concerned that the £40-50k budget will barely make a difference given the numerous dangers across the entire junction.

“People with vision impairments cannot cross this junction safely, and by failing to address these issues adequately, we are once again excluding them from our community. Safety must be our top priority, and it cannot be compromised.”

Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, adds: “We recognise that a full upgrade of the junction will require more funding in the long term, but immediate interim measures—such as installing tactile paving, cones, audible signals, and light boxes, particularly at Strachan Road—are essential and must be implemented as soon as possible.

“There are blind and partially sighted people in the local area who we support who are currently not able to get about independently because of this junction. It is simply too dangerous to cross. Without basic upgrades, we’re risking people being left housebound.”

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are urging people to join their campaign to push the City of Edinburgh Council to upgrade the crossing at Strachan Road, Hillhouse Road, and Telford Road.

You can support this campaign by writing to your local Councillor and calling for urgent action to fix this dangerous junction.

Follow this link to take action: https://sightscotland.eaction.org.uk/Fix-Deathtrap-Junction.

Kieran’s work life transformed as he becomes first UK user of Orcam MyEye Pro 3

Sight Scotland’s Kieran Crosby, who is severely dyslexic, has become the first UK user of the Orcam My Eye Pro 3.

Kieran, a Rehabilitation and Mobility Officer at Sight Scotland, from Edinburgh, has spent years helping individuals with vision impairments to navigate their daily lives. Despite his expertise in assisting others, Kieran himself faced significant challenges due to his severe dyslexia which greatly impacted his efficiency at work.

Earlier this year, in a groundbreaking move, Kieran became the first person in the UK to receive the Orcam MyEye Pro 3. This wearable assistive technology device is designed to empower individuals with vision impairments or dyslexia.

It offers a comprehensive suite of features, including text reading, face and product recognition, colour identification, and smart magnification, enhancing daily independence.

The device, which is clipped onto a pair of glasses and communicates to you via an earpiece, has streamlined Kieran’s workflow allowing him to work more efficiently and effectively with service users.

He explains: “This has completely transformed my working life. I am severely dyslexic, which makes reading any document very challenging and time-consuming. By simply wearing the device and aiming it at text, I can have case files, emails, reports, Microsoft Teams messages, and other documents read aloud to me.

This has significantly reduced the time and effort I spend on reading meaning I can now be more efficient and spend more time with service users. I recently read a book for the first time in my life, which is just incredible.”

Kieran adds: “This device could also really enhance independence for someone with vision impairment, for example helping reading mail, identifying household items, managing medications, or following recipes.

In public it could help with shopping, public transport, or attending social events. It has the potential to enhance the quality of life for individuals with vision impairments by providing tools that support independence, safety, and engagement with their environment.”

Colin Hilditch, Head of Community Services at Sight Scotland, comments: “Kieran faced challenges in his role due to severe dyslexia, so we were glad to support him by securing assistance from Access to Work and Orcam to obtain the Orcam My Eye Pro3.

“ This device has enabled him to read case files, emails, reports, and Teams messages daily, tasks many of us take for granted. As a result, the quality of his service to clients has improved, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and accommodating the needs of all employees.

Additionally, this experience allows us to evaluate and recommend this technology for individuals with vision impairments, showcasing its great potential to assist.”

For more information, visit sightscotland.org.uk  

William’s Marathon Mission: Running for Sofie and Sight Scotland

William Oviatt is running the Edinburgh Marathon to raise money for Sight Scotland to say thank you for all the help and support the charity gave to his family when his daughter, Sofie, was diagnosed with retinal dystrophy.

William and his wife Debbi, both from Edinburgh, realised something was seriously wrong with Sofie’s vision when she was just six months old. Sofie had a noticeable wobble in her eyes and was struggling to track objects at baby classes.

Several months later Sofie was diagnosed with retinal dystrophy, a group of genetic eye conditions that affect the light sensitive cells in the retina. It is incredibly rare in children and something she will have for life.

William, who is head of Business Development, and Income Generation at the Thistle Foundation, explains: “Discovering that your child has visual impairment is heartbreaking and can cause a whirlwind of emotions, and we are just so thankful we had Sight Scotland there to help and support us.

“On Sunday 26th May, I’ll be running twenty-six miles in the Edinburgh Marathon to raise funds for Sight Scotland and to support children like Sofie who are visually impaired, blind or suffer from sight loss.”

William says the first appointment with the consultant, when it was confirmed that Sofie had vision impairment, was devastating.

He says: “The first appointment with the consultant was heartbreaking, as we were told the devastating news that Sofie has visual impairment and that there was nothing they could do, as no treatment would help Sofie’s eyes.

“For Sofie to be given this lifechanging news at such an early age was extremely hard to take. It was such an emotional, confusing time, Sofie was just a typical, happy, baby so it was difficult to comprehend why this was happening to her.

“But after that we were just left to it, we had been given the information by the doctors but were offered no help of what we should do next. Sofie was just your typical, happy, baby so we couldn’t understand why this was happening to her. So we reached out to various charities to try and build relationships and get a better understanding of what we were facing and what we could do to help Sofie.

“Sight Scotland has been amazing; the charity has a real community and family feel. The emotional support has been just so important, just having someone to talk to, who understands what we are going through, has been invaluable.

“We are in a club that we didn’t want to be in, but we are now so proud to be in it. Whether it is signposting, listening, supporting or the policy group giving us a voice, they are always there to answer our questions and fill in the gaps. There is no way we would feel so strong if it wasn’t for Sight Scotland.

“This is why I am running to raise money for Sight Scotland, as the support they have given to Sofie, and to Debbi and myself, has been life changing, and I can’t thank them enough and want to give something back.”

To sponsor William for running the Edinburgh marathon, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/william-oviatt-1711574274491

For more information on Sight Scotland please visit: sightscotland.org.uk