RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People)

RNIB, comprehensive support for people with sight loss in the UK

RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) is a British charity that works for people affected by sight loss. Its activity is structured around information, advice and the provision of practical resources, with the aim of supporting those facing vision problems at different stages of their lives.

Information on eye health and conditions

The organisation maintains a broad information catalogue on eye conditions, from the most common to the rare. Among the subjects it covers are age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, keratoconus, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, retinal detachment, retinitis pigmentosa, strabismus and amblyopia in children, Stargardt disease, uveitis, pathological myopia, nystagmus and stroke-related eye conditions, among many others. It also offers content on colour vision deficiency, sickle cell retinopathy and rare eye conditions.

In addition to describing each condition, the organisation publishes guides on diagnostic tests, treatments such as anti-VEGF therapy, cataract surgery and corneal transplant, as well as tips for living with these conditions. It includes specific resources on how to protect the eyes from the sun, the relationship between diet, weight and eye health, and the importance of regular eye examinations.

Support through the sight loss journey

RNIB structures its support around what it calls the eye care pathway. It accompanies the person from diagnosis and the first steps, helping them come to terms with sight loss and offering emotional and practical support. It offers courses such as Living Well with Sight Loss, information and advice services by email, and professional roles such as Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs), who act as a link in eye care services.

The organisation also provides information on registering as sight impaired, the Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) and the criteria for obtaining it, as well as on the relationship between dementia and sight loss. It also covers low vision services and explains what role each professional plays in eye health.

Accessible technology and aids for daily living

One of the pillars of its activity is advice on assistive technology. RNIB offers guidance on using the internet, online safety, personal computers and accessories, mobile phones and tablets, labelling objects and technology for the home. It includes information on voice assistants such as Google Nest and Amazon Echo, accessible in-home displays, screen readers, magnifiers, reading software and navigation devices such as GPS and NaviLens.

In the area of leisure and communication, the organisation provides information on online radio, music and podcast streaming services, accessible televisions, audio description, audio description apps, accessible video games through the Design for Every Gamer initiative, and accessible options for video calls and social media. It also covers products such as the Orbit Reader 20, talking book players and the RealSAM Pocket accessible content service.

Braille, education and learning

RNIB devotes an extensive section to braille and the education of people with vision impairment. It explains braille codes, including Unified English Braille (UEB), uncontracted (grade 1) braille and contracted (grade 2) braille, as well as braille music and resources for learning it. It offers courses and certifications, such as the RNIB Certificate in Contracted UEB, the RNIB Maths Certificate in Contracted UEB and self-study materials such as the Braille Primer or the Fingerprint course.

In the field of education, the organisation provides guidance for families and professionals on the education of children and young people with vision impairment, from early years to university. It addresses school choice, support in mainstream schools, learning with complex needs, the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CFVI), exams, university funding, apprenticeships and the role of the careers advisor. It also manages RNIB Bookshare, an accessible book service.

Financial assistance, benefits and rights

The organisation provides information on benefits, concessions and grants available to people with sight loss in the UK. It details benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit, Pension Credit and benefits specific to Scotland. It includes a practical tool, the PIP toolkit, which breaks down activities such as preparing food, eating and drinking, managing treatments, washing, dressing, reading, engaging with other people and moving around.

It also offers information on concessions such as the reduction in the TV licence fee, grants from RNIB and other organisations, university support for blind or partially sighted students, and help with NHS costs. In the financial area, it covers money management, banking rights and the complaints process, debit and credit cards, debt advice, council tax reduction, accessible online banking, talking cash machines and accessible chip and PIN devices. It also covers the Blind Person's Allowance and the Marriage Allowance.

Cost of living and energy

RNIB pays specific attention to the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on people with sight loss. It publishes tips for managing finances, information on practical assistance, courses on the cost of living and advocacy campaigns on this matter. In the energy section, it offers saving tips, information on the Priority Services Register and the free postal service Articles for the Blind scheme.

Participation and campaigns

The organisation runs awareness campaigns and defends the rights of people with vision impairment. Its initiatives include awareness months for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, as well as Glaucoma Awareness Day. It also facilitates participation through donations and the RNIB shop, which at the time of analysis was showing a promotion on home lamps.