What are the objectives of RNIB?

We’re a catalyst for change – inspiring people with sight loss to transform their own personal experience, their community and, ultimately, society as a whole. Our focus is on giving them the help, support and tools they need to realise their aspirations.

What vision is classed as partially sighted?

You may be registered as partially sighted if your visual acuity is between 3/60 and 6/60 with a full field of vision, or up to 6/18 (18 is the number of the fourth line down the chart) if your field of vision is very restricted.

What percentage of the UK is visually impaired?

One in five people aged 75 and over are living with sight loss; one in two people aged 90 and over are living with sight loss. Nearly two-thirds of people living with sight loss are women.

What percentage of blind and partially sighted people read Braille?

Around seven per cent of people who are registered blind or partially sighted use braille.

Is Rnib a charity?

RNIB is one of the UK’s leading sight loss charities. It was incorporated on 1 April 2014 and was registered as a charity on 10 April 2014.

What eyesight is legally blind UK?

Visual acuity of 6 / 60 or above but with a very reduced field of vision, especially if a lot of sight is missing in the lower part of the field.

What is Braille NHS?

Braille is a writing system where raised dots are used as a substitute for written letters. As well as Braille versions of books and magazines, you can buy Braille display units, which can be attached to computers that allow you to read the text displayed on a computer screen.

What is the leading cause of blindness in the UK?

Since at least 1963,9 diabetic retinopathy/maculopathy has been the leading cause of blindness among working age adults in England and Wales; a similar situation exists in other developed countries such as the USA.

How many people go blind in the UK every year?

Over 24,000 people are given a Certificate of Vision Impairment each year in England and Wales [50]. Around 350,000 people are registered blind or partially sighted in the UK in total.

Why is Braille literacy declining?

Still the rate of Braille literacy is dropping across the country. The reasons for the national decline are many, but the primary reasons are: Mainstreaming of blind students. Increased technology, such as talking computers and electronic books.

How many people in the UK can read braille?

Today, more than 30,000 people in the UK use braille to help them communicate. And even in the modern digital age, this 200-year-old invention is holding its own alongside smartphones and modern technology.