Ahead of May's Scottish Parliament 2026 election, we're sharing stories from Vision Collaborative Scotland's Support After Sight Loss campaign — and asking everyone who works in health, social care, or the third sector to help make the case.
Case studies
Hyo-In Koo
Hyo-In Koo came to Edinburgh from South Korea to study Sound Design. A visual impairment meant getting around at night had become exhausting — she was always looking at the ground to navigate safely. Working with Rehabilitation and Mobility Officer Gemma, she learned to use a long cane at a pace that felt right for her.
She left Edinburgh moving confidently and independently. Routes she had found difficult became navigable. She stopped watching her feet.
"I don't look at the ground anymore when I walk. I trust my cane to give me the feedback of what's in front of me. I can't thank Gemma and Sight Scotland enough."
Hyo-In got this support because the right help was there when she needed it.
Bill Reilly
Bill Reilly is 90 years old and has played the organ for as long as he can remember. When his eyesight deteriorated, reading sheet music became almost impossible. He was playing from memory, but it wasn't the same — he missed being able to see the notes.
His rehabilitation officer at Sight Scotland Veterans helped Bill to find a solution. Standard magnification equipment isn't built for reading sheet music in a precise way, but connecting it to a CCTV magnifier worked wonders. Doing so meant that Bill could see the notes clearly.
"It's amazing to be able to read and play music again. I feel like I've got a part of myself back."
His family are busy printing out sheet music for a long list of songs so Bill can expand on his repertoire.
Lara
Lara was just 22 when she experienced her first stroke-like episode, which left her with visual field loss. Vision Rehabilitation helped her regain independence and confidence.
Lara’s journey is a powerful example of why access to Vision Rehabilitation is so vital.
Lara spoke to Vision Collaborative Scotland member, Visibility Scotland, about her experience.
193,674 people in Scotland are living with sight loss that affects their daily life.
With specialist rehabilitation support, people can rebuild confidence, stay independent, and in many cases remain in work. Too many can't access that support, and where you live can determine whether you get any help at all.
Everyone in Scotland should have access to this support, wherever they live.
Vision Collaborative Scotland is asking the next government to commit to national quality standards for vision rehabilitation.