Leber's Optic Neuropathy
The Partially Sighted Society
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What is the Partially Sighted Society?
The Partially Sighted Society was formed in 1973, mainly by parents of partially sighted children. Registered as a charity, it has grown into a nationwide organisation having a national office, Sight Centres in Exeter and Wrexham, a London Regional Office, and nearly thirty branches throughout Great Britain.
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Who does it help?
Anyone has access to the Society, whether or not they are registered blind or partially sighted, or are a member of the Society.
There are over a quarter of a million people in Great Britain who have a partial but substantial loss of vision which cannot be corrected by spectacles. This includes many elderly people whose vision is failing with age.
The Society offers an expanding range of services, catering for education, employment, social, domestic and leisure needs for all of these people. Recognising that only one in twenty-five registered "blind" people are without sight at all, the Society makes no distinction between those registered "Blind" or "Partially Sighted".
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What has the Society to offer?
The Society places emphasis on making the most of vision - eyesight is not harmed in any way by being used to the full.
Here are some of the ways that the Society can help you, one of your family, or a friend, to make the best use of the vision that is left.
- Information and advice - by letter or telephone, on any aspect of living or working with impaired vision
- Publications and leaflets on topics of concern to partially sighted people.
- Aids to vision - lighting, large print literature, magnifiers and aids to daily living are included.
- Special printing and enlargement services, including large print music.
- Local contact and support through the Society's branches.
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What income does the Society have?
The Society receives a small grant from the Department of Health and Social Security towards administrative costs, but otherwise relies on income from Members' and Supporters' contributions, national and local fund-raising efforts, legacies and voluntary donations.
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What else does the Society do?
Nationally, the Society represents the interests of Partially Sighted people to Government bodies and other organisations, arranges conferences, exhibitions and displays, and contributes to the training of specialist workers. Working committees are maintained in specific areasincluding education, employment, mobility and daily living with the help of specialist advisers on topics such as lighting and low vision. A low vision assessment and training service is being introduced, operating from our Sight Centres and on a sessional basis in London.
Locally, the Society is active in forming and supporting Branches, which offer assistance to partially sighted people and their families. The Branches raise funds to help meet local needs and support national fund-raising. There may be a Branch near you - if not, you may be interested in helping to form one.
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Can I become a Member?
YES - membership is open to ALL.
In addition to membership (with a voting right) there are categories for Supporters and for other organisations. Many people, even those fully sighted, use membership as a means of giving regular support to the Society's work.
All members and supporters receive six issues of the Society's magasine - OCULUS - published alternate months, free of charge.
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This page last updated 2 March 1997