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Other help and support for ophthalmology patients

We've compiled a list of organisations which provide help and support for people with visual impairment and eye conditions, broken down by category.

Charities

Focus Birmingham

  • Focus Birmingham is an independent local charity that provides information, advice, support and care for people with visual impairment and complex needs.
  • Focus Birmingham website

Glaucoma UK

A UK-based patient charity which works to prevent glaucoma blindness by providing information, literature and advice.

The Organisation of Blind Africans and Caribbeans (OBAC)

A patient-led organisation which aims to ensure blind and partially sighted African and Caribbean people overcome barriers to becoming active members of the community, through services covering advocacy, outreach, advice and guidance.

The Partially Sighted Society

This charity offers an expanding range of services, catering for education, employment, social, domestic and leisure needs for people who are registered blind or partially sighted.

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

One of the UK’s leading sight loss charities and the largest community of blind and partially sighted people.

Education

The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC)

The Royal National college for the Blind is a specialist residential college of further education for people with a visual impairment. RNCB specialises in providing academic and vocational courses, alongside training in Braille, ICT and mobility and independence living skills, for people aged 16 and over.

Facilities and resources

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

Breeding and training guide dogs, training visually impaired people to use guide dogs, and providing other services and facilities for the visually impaired.

Healthcare providers and experts

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Moorfields Eye Hospital is one of the world’s leading centres for eye health.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is the professional membership body for medically qualified ophthalmologists and for those who are undergoing specialist training to become ophthalmologists.

Legal

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

Provides information about driving with medical conditions, including glaucoma.

Last reviewed: 07 April 2022