Agencies Serving Blind & Partially Sighted People

By country sorted alphabetically

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

United Kingdom

Association of Blind and Partially Sighted Teachers and Students (ABAPSTAS)
2 Damhead, Holmbridge, Holmfirth, HD9 2PB , United Kingdom.
Contact person: Nick Clarke, Membership Officer
Tel: +44 1484 690 542
Email: nick@abapstas.org.uk
Web: www.abapstas.org.uk
Activities: Initially founded with the primary aim of supporting partially sighted students, teachers and lecturers. Since then, ABAPSTAS has grown into a national self-help and campaigning organisation. The main focus is still on education and employment but members now include people who have moved into careers other than teaching.
Last updated: 25/04/2006

Blind Business Association Charitable Trust (BBACT)
29 Quantock Rise, Shepshed, Leicestershire, LE12 9JR, United Kingdom.
Contact person: Penny Hefferan, Projects and Administration Manager
Tel: 0845 045 0696
Email: info@bbact.org.uk
Web: www.bbact.org.uk
Activities: Giving positive and tangible support and encouragement to blind or partially sighted individuals who are either starting up or have already established their own business. Through advice, mentoring, seminars, conferences, need-orientated projects and a small grants fund, the aim is to maximise the potential for long-term business success.
Last updated: 02/03/2010

British Council for Prevention of Blindness (BCPB)
4 Bloomsbury Square, London, WC1A 2RP, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 20 7404 7114
Email: info@bcpb.org
Web: www.bcpb.org
Activities: Our aim is to extend the sight saving activities of the leading British agencies concerned with blindness. We raise funds for research projects at British hospitals and universities and fund blindness prevention projects abroad.
Last updated: 19/03/2010

British Eye Research Foundation
(formerly Iris Fund for Prevention of Blindness)
Lincoln House, 75 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7HS, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 20 7928 7743
Fax: +44 20 7928 7743
E-mail: info@berf.org.uk
Web: www.berf.org.uk
Activities: Funds research, within the United Kingdom, into the causes, prevention, treatment and cure of eye disease.
Last updated: 26/04/2006

Catholic Blind Institute
Christopher Grange, Youens Way, Liverpool, L14 2EW, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 151 220 25 25
Fax: +44 151 220 19 72
Web: www.catholicblindinstitute.org
Activities: Runs St Vincent's School for Blind and Partially Sighted Children and the Christopher Grange Centre for Adult Blind. The Resource Centre houses a Low-Vision Area, High Tech Computers and a Communication Area. The Equipment Area houses the widest possible range of equipment, meaning people have a choice and the equipment will suit their needs. A Library area has Braille, talking books and spoken word videos, plus a very large information area. A music library is also underway. Tanauk Sight Line are installing one of their computers, which will reproduce newspapers and magazines using either screen magnification or voice synthesisers. Companies also use the Centre to preview and demonstrate their new and up to date equipment.
Last updated: 25/04/2006

CBM (Christian Blind Mission)
Street address: Vision House, 7/8 Oakington Business Park, Dry Drayton Road, Oakington, Cambridge, CB4 5DQ, United Kingdom.
UK Freespost address: CBM Freepost, ANG 6010, Cambridge, CB4 6YA
Tel: +44 1223 484 700
Fax: +44 1223 484 701
Email: info@cbmuk.org.uk
Web: www.cbmuk.org.uk
Activities: Supports the blind and partially sighted in areas of need worldwide. Based upon Christian principles CBM exists to provide medical intervention, education and rehabilitation, emergency relief, training, research and advocacy.
Last updated: 09/03/2010

Childhood Eye Cancer Trust
(formerly Retinoblastoma Society)
Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road, london, E1 1BB, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 20 7377 5578
Fax: +44 20 7377 0740
Email: info@chect.org.uk
Web: www.chect.org.uk
Activities: To provide information and support to individuals and families with children diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer which effects the retina in small children. To raise awareness of this disease amongst health professionals and members of the public, in order to achieve earlier diagnosis, thus preserving life and sight. To raise funds for research into various aspects of retinoblastoma in order to enhance diagnosis, treatment and care.
Last updated: 26/04/2006

Deafblind Scotland
21 Alexandra Avenue, Lenzie, Glasgow, G66 5BG, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 141 777 6111 (voice/text)
Fax: +44 141 775 3311
Email: info@deafblindscotland.org.uk
Web: www.deafblindscotland.org.uk
Activities: Deafblind UK is a charity whose aims are to enable those people with dual sensory impairment to live full and active lives despite their disability. To teach and encourage touch-based communicacion systems. To raise awareness of deafblindness in the caring professions and amongst the wider public. To ensure that the needs of deafblind people are appropriately met in a health/community care planning environment.
Last updated: 25/04/2006

Deafblind UK
Head Office, National Centre for Deafblindness, John and Lucillle van Gesst Place, Cygnet Road, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8FD, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 1733 358 100 (voice/text)
Fax: +44 1733 358 356
Email: info@deafblind.org.uk
Web: www.deafblind.org.uk
Activities: Deafblind UK is a charity whose aims are to enable those people with dual sensory impairment to live full and active lives despite their disability. To teach and encourage touch-based communicacion systems. To raise awareness of deafblindness in the caring professions and amongst the wider public. To ensure that the needs of deafblind people are appropriately met in a health/community care planning environment.
Last updated: 25/04/2006

Fight For Sight
1st Floor, 36-38 Botolph Lane, London, EC3R 8DE, United Kingdom.
Contact person: Gemma Leary
Tel: +44 20 7929 7755
Fax: +44 20 7929 4341
Email: info@fightforsight.org.uk
Web: www.fightforsight.org.uk
Activities: Funds research directed towards eye diseases including macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases.
Last updated: 30/03/2010

Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA)
Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 118 983 5555
Email: guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk
Web: www.gdba.org.uk
Activities: Breeder and trainer of working dogs for the blind and partially sighted.
Last updated: 26/04/2006

International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom.
Contact person: Peter Ackland
Tel: +44 207 927 2973
Fax: +44 207 958 8325
Email: info@v2020.org
Web: www.v2020.org
Last updated: 16/04/2010

International Glaucoma Association (IGA)
Woodcote House, 15 Highpoint Business Village, Henwood Ashford, Kent TN24 8DH, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 1233 64 81 70
Fax: +44 1233 64 81 79
Email: info@iga.org.uk
Web: www.glaucoma-association.com
Activities: Information services, public awareness raising, research grants etc.
Last updated: 26/04/2006

International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF)
Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 3YG, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 118 983 1990
Fax: +44 118 983 3572
E-mail: info@igdf.org.uk
Web: www.igdf.org.uk
Activities: IGDF was formed in 1989, following meetings over several years of Guide Dog schools around the World. The IGDF now comprises over 72 member schools around the World whose purpose is to serve the visually impaired through the breeding, training and provision of Guide Dogs.
Last updated: 26/04/2006

Jewish Blind & Disabled
35 Langstone Way, Mill Hill East, London, NW7 1GT, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 20 8371 6611
Fax: +44 20 8371 4225
Email: info@jbd.org
Web: www.jbd.org
Activities: Jewish Blind & Disabled provides caring sheltered housing to improve the quality of life, maximise freedom of choice, respect dignity at all times and help achieve independent living for visually and physically disabled people.
Last updated: 26/04/2006

Listening Books
(National Listening Library)
12 Lant Street, London SE1 1QR, United Kingdom.
Contact person: Srah Hucklesbury
Tel: +44 20 7407 9417
Fax: +44 20 7403 1377
Email: info@listening-books.org.uk
Web: www.listening-books.org.uk
Activities: Listening books provides a postal and internet-based audio book library service to anyone who suffers from an illness or disability which makes it impossible or difficult to hold a book, turns its pages, or read in the usual way. The service is available to organisations such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools, as well as to individuals. Provide important support for the National Curriculum at Key Stages 2,3 and 4.
Last updated: 30/03/2010

Moorfields Eye Hospital
162 City Road, London, EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 20 7253 3411
Fax: +44 20 7253 4696
Web: www.moorfields.org.uk
Activities: Treatment and care of NHS patients with a wide range of eye problems from common complaints like cataracts to rare conditions which need treatments not available elsewhere in the UK. Moorfields is also a post-graduate teaching centre and, with the Institute of Ophthalmology, a national centre for ophthalmic research.
Last updated: 26/04/2006

National Federation of the Blind of the United Kingdom
Sir John Wilson house, 215 Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 1JG, United Kingdom.
Contact person: Carol Borowski
Tel: +44 1924 29 1313
Fax: +44 1924 20 0244
Email: nfbuk@nfbuk.org
Web: www.nfbuk.org
Activities: Organization of blind and partially sighted people who wish to help themselves and others to have a better standard of living and to be treated equally as others are.
Last updated: 26/04/2006

National League of the Blind and Disabled (NLBD)
Swinton House, 324 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1X 8DD, United Kingdom.
Contact person: Lorraine Milsom, Administration
Tel: +44 20 7239 1262
Fax: +44 20 7278 0436
Minicom: +44 20 7239 1264
Email: nlbd@community-tu.org
Web: www.community-tu.org/Templates/internal.asp?NodeID=89350
Activities: A section of "Community", the UK's community based trade union seeking to represent the interests of blind and partially sighted and disabled people, in communities, homes and workplaces.
Last updated: 26/04/2006

Nystagmus Network
25 Pen-y-Lan Terrace, Cardiff CF23 9EU, United Kingdom.
Contact person: John Sanders
Tel: +44 29 2045 4242
Email: info@nystagmusnet.org; johnsanders@clara.co.uk
Web: www.nystagmusnet.org
Activities: The Nystagmus Network is a national, self-help organisation established in 1984 to provide information and support to people with nystagmus, promote and fund research into nystagmus, and explain to professionals working with those who have nystagmus.
Last updated: 30/03/2010

Orbis UK
4th Floor, Fergusson House, 124-128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NJ, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 20 7608 7260
Fax: +44 20 7253 8483
Email: info@orbis.org.uk
Web: www.orbis.org.uk
Activities: ORBIS is an international charity dedicated to eliminating avoidable blindness by training local doctors and medics in the developing world in vital sight-saving techniques. Training programmes are held on-board the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital, a fully converted DC-10 jet (equipped with operating theatre and classrooms) and in local hospitals and clinics in the developing world. In addition to the Flying Eye Hospital, ORBIS runs land-based teaching programmes in Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, India and Vietnam. ORBIS relies heavily on its volunteers who are medical professionals from the United Kingdom and other nations who give up their time to train local doctors and nurses in the developing world.
Last updated: 10/04/2006

Queen Alexandra College
Court Oak Road, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9TG, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 121 428 5050
Fax: +44 121 428 5048
Email: enquiries@qac.ac.uk
Website: www.qac.ac.uk
Activities: Queen Alexandra College is a national residential college providing further education, work preparation and support into employment for people with visual impairment and/or other disabilities aged 16+. Our programmes include 'Preparation for Life' at Pre-Entry and Entry Level and many BTEC Introductory or First certificates and diplomas in subjects such as health and social care, IT, business and administration, art and design, performing arts and hospitality, travel and tourism. Skills for Life, Literacy, Numeracy and IT are embedded into programmes to support all learners. QAC also runs an 'advance2work' programme for clients who are looking for a job or need support into employment. 'advance2work' can provide individual programme of support, training, work experience and job coaching and can be residential. Our All Formats enterprise provides high quality Braille, large print and audio transcription as well as production of tactile and Braille high contrast signs.
Last updated: 17/09/2007

Royal Blind School
Craigmillar Campus: Craigmillar Park, Edinburgh, EH16 5NA, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Canaan Lane Campus: 43-45 Canaan Lane, Edinburgh, EH10 4SG, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Contact person: Julie Shylan, Principal
Tel: +44 131 667 1100 (Craigmillar Campus); +44 131 446 3120 (Canaan Lane Campus)
Fax: +44 131 662 9700 (Craigmillar Campus); +44 131 447 9266 (Canaan Lane Campus)
Email: enquiries.canaan@royalblind.org; enquiries.craigmillar@royalblind.org
Web: www.royalblind.org/school
Activities: Departments include primary and secondary. The school is inclusive, supporting pupils across the full ability range. Provision includes: individualised education plans addressinga wide range of independent living skills and accredited units and courses up to Advanced Higher Level across a wide range of subjects; Programmes of study for those with Additional Special Needs (ASN); Programmes of study for those with Multiple Disabilities and a Visual Impairment (MDVI); Specialist training; A range of therapies and residential respite.
Last updated: 10/03/2010

Royal London Society for the Blind (RLSB)
Wildernesse Avenue, Seal, Nr. Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0EB, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 1732 592 500
Fax: +44 1732 592 506
Email: enquiries@rlsb.org.uk
Web: www.rlsb.org.uk
Activities: The Royal London Society for the Blind is committed to empowering people with a visual impairment to lead independent lives through the provision of high quality education, training and employment services.
Last updated: 27/04/2006

Royal National College for the Blind
College Road, Hereford HR1 1EB, United Kingdom.
Contact person: Dr Colin Housby-Smith
Tel: +44 1432 265 725
Fax: +44 1432 376 628
Minicom: +44 1432 276 532
Email: info@rncb.ac.uk
Web: www.rncb.ac.uk
Activities: RNC is the UK's largest College of Further Education and training for people who are blind or partially sighted. Programmes include: Employment assessment and work preparation, GCSEs, A/AS levels, access to HE, remedial therapy, performing arts, art and design, music technology, information technology, business studies, piano technology and administration.
Last updated: 27/04/2006

Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB)
105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 20 7388 1266
Fax: +44 20 7388 2034
Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk
Web: www.rnib.org.uk
Activities: The RNIB's work helps anyone with a sight problem – not just with braille, Talking Books and computer training, but with imaginative and practical solutions to everyday challenges. RNIB fight for equal rights for people with sight problems. The RNIB fund research into preventing and treating eye disease. The RNIB education services work to ensure children and adults with sight problems gain access to the best education opportunities at home, school, university and in the wider community.
Last updated: 27/04/2006

Royal School for the Blind, Liverpool
Church Road North, Wavertree, Liverpool, L15 6TQ, United Kingdom.
Contact person: Mr. J. P. Byrne, Headmaster
Tel: +44 151 733 1012
Fax: +44 151 733 1703
Email: info@rsblind.org.uk
Web: www.rsblind.org.uk
Activities: The Royal School for the Blind provides places for up to 66 pupils ranging in age from 2-19 years. All students have a visual impairment and learning difficulties ranging from moderate to profound. Many students have additional sensory, physical or behavioural disabilities. Pupils come from all over the country, and about 40% are residential from Monday to Friday.
Last updated: 27/04/2006

RP Fighting Blindness
(British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society)
PO Box 350, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, MK18 1GZ, United Kingdom.
Contact person: David Head
Tel: +44 1280 821 334 (Office); +44 845 123 2354 (Helpline)
Fax: +44 1280 815 900
Email: info@brps.org.uk
Web: www.brps.org.uk
Activities: The Society is a membership organisation run by volunteers with over twenty branches throughout the UK. The BRPS aims to raise funds for scientific research to provide treatments leading to a cure for retinitis pigmentosa. The BRPS also provides a welfare support and guidance service to its members and their families.
Last updated: 30/03/2010

Scottish Sensory Centre
Moray House School of Education, University of Edinburgh, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Contact person: Ruth Simpson, SSC Administrator
Tel: +44 131 651 6501
Fax: +44 131 651 6502
Email: ruth.simpson@ed.ac.uk
Web: www.ssc.education.ed.ac.uk
Activities: Promotes and supports new developments and effective practices in the education of children and young people with sensory impairments through the use of short courses, conferences and research. The Centre also provides a postal resource library.
Last updated: 02/03/2010

SeeAbility
SeeAbility House, Hook Road, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 8SQ, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 1372 755000
Fax: +44 1372 755001
Email: enquiries@seeability.org
Web: www.seeability.org
Activities: SeeAbility works with adults who are visually impaired and have additional disabilities (learning disability, physical disability, degenerative conditions, mental health difficulties) supporting them in exploring their potential, developing their skills/independence and/or enhancing the quality of their lives. Services offered include: Assessment, visual impairment rehabilitation, day care, research, supported living and residential and nursing care services. Additionally consultancy and training services are offered to carers/other professionals. Currently operating accommodation and support services from Surrey, East Sussex, Hampshire and Somerset. Provides infomration and advice services about eye care and vision for people with learning disabilities.
Last updated: 30/03/2010

Sense
101 Pentonville Road, London N1 9LG, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 845 127 0060
Text: +44 845 127 0062
Fax: +44 845 127 0061
Email: info@sense.org.uk
Web: www.sense.org.uk
Activities: Sense is a national organisation supporting and campaigning for children and adults who are deafblind. Sense offers advice and information to deafblind people and their families, carers and the professionals who work with them. Also support people who have sensory impairments with additional disabilities.
Last updated: 01/04/2010

Sightsavers
(The Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind)
Grosvenor Hall, Bolnore Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 4BX, United Kingdom.
Contact person: Christopher Friend
Tel: +44 1444 446 600
Fax: +44 1444 446 688
Email: info@sightsavers.org
Web: www.sightsavers.org
Activities: Works internationally to eliminate avoidable blindness and promote equality of opportunity for disabled people in the developing world.. Work in over 30 countries across Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.
Last updated: 30/03/2010

St. Dunstan's
12-14 Harcourt Street, London, W1H 4HD, United Kingdom.
Contact person: Bhakti Chauhan
Tel: +44 20 7723 5021
Fax: +44 20 7262 6199
Email: enquiries@st-dunstans.org.uk; marketing&comms@st-dunstans.org.uk
Web: www.st-dunstans.org.uk
Activities: Provides lefelong support and rehabilitation to blind ex-service men and women. Specialist training and rehabilitation promotes and enables independence, meeting new challenges and achieving a better quality of life.
Last updated: 30/03/2010

Thomas Pocklington Trust
5 Castle Row, Horticultural Place, Chiswick, London W4 4JQ, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 20 8995 0880
Fax: +44 20 8987 9965
Email: info@pocklington-trust.org.uk
Web: www.pocklington-trust.org.uk
Activities: The Trust provide housing, care and support services for people with sight loss in the UK. Pocklington also funds social and public health research and development projects. Pocklington's operations offer a range of sheltered and supported housing, residential care, respite care, day services, home care services, resource centres and community based support services.
Last updated: 01/04/2010

Torch Trust for the Blind
Torch House, Torch Way, Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9HL, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 1858 438 260
Fax: +44 1858 438 260
Email: info@torchtrust.org
Web: www.torchtrust.org
Activities: The Torch Trust for the Blind is a non-denominational Christian charity that provides Christian literature and fellowship for visually impaired people. Literature is produced in braille, giant print (24pt) and on audio cassette. The Torch Trust operates a free postal library service, including a children's and young people's section, for all three media. Fellowship is encouraged through Torch Fellowship Groups, around 130 of which meet on a monthly basis throughout the UK, and through a programme of holidays and houseparties. The Torch Trust is an international ministry with bases in Malawi and Romania, and is in touch with blind people in over 90 countries of the world.
Last updated: 27/04/2006

Vision Aid Overseas
12 The Bell Centre, Newton Road, Manor Royal, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9FZ, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 1293 535016
Fax: +44 1293 535026
Email: info@vao.org.uk
Web: www.vao.org.uk
Activities: To transform access to eyecare services for people in developing countries by establishing vision centres, training healthcare workers and utilising the expertise of volunteers to undertake outreach programmes in areas away from existing facilities.
Last updated: 30/03/2010

Wales Council for the Blind
Cyngor Cymru i'r Deillion
3rd Floor, Shand House, 20 Newport Road, Cardiff CF24 0DB, Wales, United Kingdom.
Contact person: Rebecca Phillips, Administrator
Tel: +44 29 2047 3954
Fax: +44 29 2047 0777
Email: staff@wcb-ccd.org.uk
Web: www.wcb-ccd.org.uk
Activities: WCB is the leading Welsh organisation in the field of visual impairment, working with a network of voluntary and statutory agencies to improve provision for people with sight problems in Wales.
Last updated: 27/04/2006