News
Labour peer immortalised in bronze to celebrate achievements of vision impaired people
A bronze bust of Labour peer, the Rt Hon Lord David Blunkett – the UK’s first blind cabinet minister – has been unveiled at the House of Lords. The unveiling was part of a special event last night by national...
Fiona Anderson, dispensing optician, takes office as Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers
Dispensing Optician Fiona Anderson was installed this week as Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers. Fiona is much in demand around the world as a practical examiner and speaker. She is a Past President of both her own...
Clinical trial investigates ‘Light Touch’ approach to wet AMD treatment
A clinical trial led by NIHR Moorfields Clinical Research Facility will explore a new ‘light-touch’ treatment approach for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) that could result in fewer injections and reduced number of clinic visits. Funded by...
Wiseman Fund recipient expands low vision knowledge
Gemma Gould, a lecturer in optometry at the University of Manchester, has recently attended the International Society for Low Vision Research and Rehabilitation conference 2025 in Florence, thanks to support from the Wiseman Fund. “I presented a poster of my...
Researchers identify a novel genetic cause of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy
Researchers identify a novel genetic cause of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, offering new ways for future therapies to target this common, age-related cause of visual loss. In a landmark study, researchers supported by NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, have identified...
Treatment for cause of sudden sight loss now available through the NHS in England
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved a treatment for Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), called Idebenone (Raxone), in those aged 12 and above who are affected by the condition. LHON is a rare mitochondrial genetic...
Children with vision impairment waiting up to 18 months for essential life skills training
Only one in four Scottish councils meets the national standard for habilitation support, leaving some children waiting more than a year for help developing basic independence skills, a new report by RNIB Scotland reveals. The report highlights a growing crisis...
Mapping the Future of Vision Impairment Services in Scotland
Vision Collaborative Scotland, formerly the Scottish Vision Services Steering Group, has re-launched with a new name, a renewed purpose, and an ambitious vision. Now known as Vision Collaborative Scotland, the group of third sector partners is committed to transforming the...
Seeing with fresh eyes: Snails as a system for studying sight restoration
Stowers scientists have established the apple snail as a new research organism for investigating eye regeneration, which may hold the key for restoring vision due to damage and disease. Snails are slimy, simple creatures yet one species, the apple snail,...
Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers awards silver medal to Professor Robert Maclaren
At a Court Lunch held in the historic Apothecaries’ Hall last week, the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers awarded its prestigious Silver (Fincham) Medal to Professor Robert MacLaren. Professor MacLaren is Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Oxford, Consultant...
Large-scale study uncovers demographic and sex factors behind genetic cause of age-related visual loss
A new study has identified a major genetic contributor to Fuchs’ Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD), a common cause of vision loss, also highlighting the significant roles of sex and ancestry. FECD is a common, inherited eye condition that primarily affects...
New free eye test service is open and accepting bookings
We at Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP) are pleased to announce that our brand-new clinic is now open and accepting bookings for free eye tests and spectacles. We are based at the Crisis Skylight building on Canongate in Edinburgh,...
