Please note that as of October 2020, we now operate as Sight Scotland Veterans. Our former name, Scottish War Blinded will appear in content, such as reports, produced before that date.

A range of organisations providing support for those with sight loss in the Scottish Borders will come together in Hawick at ‘Vision Hub,’ hosted by Scottish War Blinded, on Wednesday, March 20, at Hawick Town Hall. Doors will be open from 10.30am to 2pm.

At Vision Hub, local representatives from Scottish War Blinded and the Macular Society, as well as a number of other guest exhibitors, will offer specialist advice to visitors on how each service can help people with sight loss to continue living as independently as possible.

Representatives from Borders Council Sensory and Low Vision Services, Guide Dogs, Borders Talking Newspaper, Borders Carers Centre and RNIB will also be present at the event. Refreshments will be provided by the local Veterans’ Café.                                                                                                                                                                                                      Whether you have sight loss yourself, or you care for someone who does, anyone affected by a sight condition is welcome to drop in, meet the experts and find out what kind of support is available. The event will be an opportunity to meet others with sight loss and share experiences and tips.

Scottish War Blinded Outreach Worker for the Scottish Borders, Dawn Smith, organises lunch groups for military veterans in the area, as well as support for individuals at home. She will be on hand to explain how she can help more veterans adapt to sight loss. The charity supports veterans with sight loss in Scotland, no matter when or how they lost their sight. 

At the event, rehabilitation officers from Scottish War Blinded will also demonstrate a range of specialist equipment, which is available free of charge to military veterans with significant sight loss.

The Macular Society's Regional Manager, Jamie Cuthbertson, will share information on services and practical support available in the local community, including the Information and Advice service, telephone counselling service, volunteer run services and support groups.

Rebecca Barr, Director of Scottish War Blinded, commented: “We are delighted to link up with the Macular Society to showcase the varied support on offer to those affected by sight loss in the Scottish Borders.

“When it comes to a sight loss condition everyone’s experience is different, and we look forward to meeting visitors at Vision Hub to ensure they are getting the best, most appropriate support available to them.”

Jamie Cuthbertson, Macular Society regional manager, said: “Events like this are an ideal opportunity for us to highlight the impact sight loss can have on a person’s life and the wide range of services that are available locally to anyone who needs assistance.

“By working closely with Scottish War Blinded, we can ensure that we reach more people who may urgently need our help.”

The event will take place on Wednesday, March 20, at Hawick Town Hall. Doors will be open from 10.30am to 2pm.

Tea and light refreshments will also be on offer free of charge.

Call Dawn Smith, Scottish War Blinded Outreach Worker, for more information on 07584 632 605 or email dawn.smith@scottishwarblinded.org.