Blind and partially sighted people face numerous challenges in maintaining their health, fitness and wellbeing. This can include a lack of opportunities to lead a healthy lifestyle and barriers to accessible health information. We strive to remove those barriers and create equality of opportunities so that blind and partially sighted people are fully included in all matters relating to keeping fit and healthy.
Everyone deserves equal access to the resources and support that promote wellbeing, which is why we campaign for full adoption of the Accessible Information Standard (AIS).
The Standard was introduced in 2016 and is for providers of NHS and adult social care across England. It gives clear guidance on how NHS bodies and publicly-funded social care services should meet the information and communication support needs of people with disabilities and sensory loss, when using NHS services such as GP surgeries or hospitals.
The AIS was updated on 30 June 2025. There is a new requirement for NHS service providers, such as GP surgeries and hospitals, to regularly review people’s information and communication support needs. This aims to ensure that any individual’s changing needs over time are captured and acted upon. This builds on the existing requirements in the AIS for service providers to identify, record, flag, share and meet people’s communication needs. A self-assessment framework has been introduced to help NHS service providers ensure they are meeting the AIS requirements, and that people’s communication and information needs are being met. They are required to annually publish their own performance (on their websites, in accessible formats) against the measures in the AIS self-assessment framework, as well as detailing the actions they have put in place to improve.
It is estimated that half of sight loss is avoidable. We’re on a mission to prevent avoidable sight loss. Through awareness campaigns, education and support, we empower individuals to take charge of their eye health and preserve sight.
Navigating the complex world of eye care and support services can be daunting. We aim to guide and assist, ensuring blind and partially sighted individuals have a clear and accessible pathway to the care they need.
Keeping fit and healthy is an important part of the lives of blind and partially sighted people as it is with anyone else. As such, we strive for full access to services and to breaking down any barriers that exist.
By 2050, a staggering 4 million people could be living with sight loss, a statistic too daunting to ignore. But here's the ray of hope: 50% of this sight loss is entirely avoidable.
Find out more about 'Preventing Avoidable Sight Loss'We have all the information you need and understand your options from the moment you notice problems with your eyes. We're committed to providing you with the practical and emotional resources you need to take control and navigate your diagnosis with confidence.
Find out more about 'Eye Care Support Pathway'We aim to tackle the inequities faced by blind and partially sighted people when it comes to using healthcare and social services. We achieve this by working closely with a variety of stakeholders, forging strong partnerships to improve the coordination between the NHS and social care services. Our ultimate goal…
Find out more about 'Equity of Access to Health and Social Care Services'We know that blind and partially sighted people can experience a range of barriers when seeking to use their local leisure centre, gym or other sports facilities. We believe we, as blind and partially sighted people, should have the same access to leisure and fitness as everyone else, so here…
Find out more about 'Equity of Access to Fitness'
