Over 900 polling station staff across Scotland have been trained to better support visually impaired voters, ahead of tomorrow's election. We worked with the Electoral Management Board for Scotland to help make it happen. Watch the video. 🗳️ 🔗 https://bit.ly/3RpFE6z #YourVoiceYourVote

Polls open tomorrow. 🗳️ If you're visually impaired and want to know what support is available when you vote, our guide has you covered. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4cV6TOZ #YourVoiceYourVote #ScottishParliamentElections

On 11 March 2026, free companion rail travel became permanent policy in Scotland. Four years of campaigning by the sight loss community. This is what it looks like. The Scottish Parliament election is on 7 May. Use your vote. #FairRail #SightScotland

Voting should be accessible to everyone. Ahead of the 7 May Scottish Parliament election, we've helped train more than 900 polling staff on supporting blind and partially sighted voters. Read more: https://bit.ly/4n6edL0 #ScottishElection2026 #SightScotland

Helping blind and partially sighted people vote with confidence this election | Sight Scotland

We believe everyone should be able to vote independently and confidentially. That's why, ahead of Scotland's Parliament elections on 7 May, we're working with the Electoral Management Board for Scotland to make voting more accessible.

sightscotland.org.uk

Nearly 6,000 children in Scotland have vision impairment as a reason for additional support needs — and that number is growing. But the specialist teacher workforce is shrinking. Lucy Chetty writes for @tesmagazine.bsky.social on what must change: https://bit.ly/4dijj3n

Why we must act for children in Scotland with vision impairment

Many pupils with vision impairment are not being given enough support to reach their full potential, writes Lucy Chetty

tes.com

Today is #WorldOptometryDay. 👁️ In Scotland, free NHS eye exams do much more than check your prescription. Optometrists are highly trained to detect early signs of sight-threatening conditions and monitor your health. Find an optician near you: https://www.nhs24.scot/find-a-service/opticians/

Imagine your sight changes tomorrow. Daily tasks like making tea or using the washing machine can suddenly feel daunting. We’re raising funds for Community Starter Packs to help people across Scotland stay independent at home. Donate here: https://justgiving.com/campaign/fundastarterpack

It’s World Glaucoma Day. 🌍 Glaucoma often has no early symptoms, making regular eye tests vital for early detection. In Scotland, NHS eye exams are free and can help save your sight. Don't wait for your vision to change - book an eye test today. #WorldGlaucomaDay #EyeHealth #SightLoss

Free companion rail travel for blind and partially sighted people in Scotland is now PERMANENT! A huge thank you to the veterans and supporters who helped us turn this pilot into a reality. Full story here: https://sightscotland.org.uk/articles/blog/fair-rail-here-to-stay

Free rail travel for companions of visually impaired people is here to stay: A campaign victory built on lived experience | Sight Scotland

Free companion rail travel is here to stay. On 11 March 2026, Fiona Hyslop MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, announced at the Cross-Party Group on Visual Impairment that free companion rail tr...

sightscotland.org.uk

Happy #WorldBookDay 📚 We believe reading is for everyone. That’s why our Scottish Braille Press works to turn the latest stories into Braille and large print. Reading isn't just about what you see - it's about where the story takes you. Find out about accessible reading: https://bit.ly/4suQYMh

Leaving school is a big step, especially if you’re living with visual impairment. We’re piloting a new 9-month paid internship in Edinburgh, designed for visually impaired school leavers in Scotland. Find out more: https://bit.ly/4kT9NWM

When did you last have an eye test? In Scotland, NHS-funded eye examinations are free and can detect more than just vision changes, they can spot early signs of other health conditions too. No GP referral needed. Find out more: 🔗 https://bit.ly/4rZ3QcW

Why booking your free eye test matters | Sight Scotland

Free NHS-funded eye examinations are a straightforward way to look after both your eyes and your general wellbeing and one of the genuine benefits of living in Scotland. Find out more about how to boo...

sightscotland.org.uk

Real change starts with listening. Our Sight Loss Councils bring lived experience into decisions that shape everyday life. 🔗 https://sightscotland.org.uk/influencing-change/lived-experience/sight-loss-councils-scotland

Sight Loss Councils Scotland | Sight Scotland

Learn about Scotland's Sight Loss Council (SLC) and how to join.

sightscotland.org.uk

A contractor has been appointed for the new Eye Hospital at the BioQuarter. Long overdue, but welcome. Now we need clear timelines and delivery of a modern, fully accessible facility. Patients cannot wait any longer. 🔗 https://bit.ly/46aBu7q

Contractor appointed to start work at new Eye Hospital in the BioQuarter - Deadline News

NHS Lothian has appointed Kier as the Principal Supply Chain Partner to build the new Eye Hospital in Edinburgh. The new specially designed multi-million pound building at the BioQuarter at Little Fra...

deadlinenews.co.uk

Car drifting in Fife? We have 20 places for visually impaired veterans to take part in an accessible driving experience with Speed of Sight on 4 or 5 August. £20 per person. Self-travel to central pick-up point required. Register Interest: https://bit.ly/4roqMCL More Info: https://bit.ly/46fO8lw

Blind Driving Experiences | Driving Experiences for Visual Impairment…

Speed of sight offer life changing driving experiences for people who are blind, visually impaired or have a disability and have been told they will never…

speedofsight.org

“I just saw shapes and colours. There were no letters.” At 58, Susan’s macular degeneration progressed rapidly. She speaks about stopping driving, the emotional impact, and the support that helped her rebuild confidence. February is AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month. 🔗 https://bit.ly/3OeLAy1

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Susan's story | Sight Scotland

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss for people over 50. We spoke to Susan, who has been through the diagnosis process and shares her experiences of dealing with ...

sightscotland.org.uk

Not sure where to start after a visual impairment diagnosis? From benefits to transport and support, we’ve brought together clear, practical information in one place. 🔗 https://sightscotland.org.uk/info-and-advice

Information, Advice and Resources | Sight Scotland

Whether you're looking for guidance for yourself, or want to know more about how to support someone with sight loss or blindness, we are here to help. Find information about sight loss, including advi...

sightscotland.org.uk

Registered blind from birth, this photographer has developed his own way of seeing the world. In this short film and article, he shares how he captures his images and what photography means to him. Take a few minutes to hear his story: https://bit.ly/3Oq52Yp

A photographer with partial sight shares how he captures amazing images | Sight Scotland

Matthew has around five per cent vision. But being partially sighted doesn't stop Matthew from seeing Edinburgh's many vistas and capturing images on his DSLR camera.

sightscotland.org.uk

Shades aren’t just for summer. Bright winter light and long hours on screens can cause eye strain and discomfort. Simple habits like sunglasses outdoors and regular screen breaks may help with comfort. Have you tried the 20-20-20 rule? 🔗 https://bit.ly/4rQ8QAS

Wear shades in winter and follow the 20-20-20 rule: experts on 13 ways to look after your eyes

Everyone should get their eyes tested every two years, but there are other ways to optimise your vision, say ophthalmologists – and yes, eating carrots may help

theguardian.com

This building was condemned years ago. Yet it’s still delivering eye care to thousands across Scotland. We need investment. And we need a new Eye Hospital in Edinburgh. 🔗 https://sightscotland.org.uk/influencing-change/election-2026

Nearly 66,000 people were waiting for ophthalmology appointments in Sept 2025. In the Lothians, over half now wait more than 12 months. These aren’t just numbers. They represent lives on hold. Our manifesto calls for urgent investment: https://sightscotland.org.uk/influencing-change/election-2026

A new Eye Hospital for Edinburgh must be an urgent priority for the next Scottish Government. In this piece from Edinburgh Evening News, our call for modern, accessible eye health services is highlighted as part of our 2026 manifesto. #SP2026 #EyeHealth 🔗 https://bit.ly/4roq8VN

New Edinburgh eye hospital must be priority for next government, says charity

A new eye hospital for Edinburgh must be an urgent priority for the next Scottish Government, a sight loss charity has said in its manifesto ahead of May’s Holyrood elections.

edinburghnews.scotsman.com

“Play and Connect has helped Nate so much.” For Mhairi and her three-year-old son Nate, our Play and Connect sessions have boosted confidence, interaction and joy through sensory play and music. Early intervention matters. 🔗 https://sightscotland.org.uk/articles/case-study/play-and-connect

Play and Connect | Sight Scotland

Sight Scotland and Hearts and Minds 'Play and Connect' sessions provide an innovative programme of play-based activities for young children with visual impairment and their families, such as Mhairi Mu...

sightscotland.org.uk

“The Linburn Centre helped me believe in life again.” At our Linburn Centre in West Lothian, veterans are rebuilding confidence, independence and friendships with people who understand their experiences. 📞 0800 035 6409 | sightscotlandveterans.org.uk https://bit.ly/3Ms5ogA

'The Linburn Centre helped me believe in life again'

Veterans Ian Baker and Alan Mustard say the centre has given them support, community and confidence

dailyrecord.co.uk

From braille on baked beans to bus stops that are safe for visually impaired riders. A good conversation today with @drscottarthurmp.bsky.social about everyday barriers that shouldn’t still exist in 2026, from floating bus stops to inaccessible payment terminals.

Floating bus stops can make everyday travel stressful and unsafe for people with visual impairment. In this article, Bilal, a member of our policy group, backs our call for an immediate halt to their rollout in Scotland until safety is proven. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4bB2u3r

Charity calls for halt to 'dangerous and life-threatening' floating bus stops

A charity is calling for an immediate halt to floating bus stops, branding them “dangerous and life-threatening” for people with visual impairment.

edinburghnews.scotsman.com

Spaces are filling fast for the Supernova Kelpies 5K. Run, jog or walk under the stars and secure a free charity place by supporting Sight Scotland or Sight Scotland Veterans. Email sam.smith@sightscotland.org.uk to sign up.

Free companion rail travel is helping people get out and about across Scotland. George, a veteran at our Hawkhead Centre, uses the Eye+1 pilot to travel with his wife and explore more together. Used the scheme? Share your story: policy@sightscotland.org.uk

Your voice matters. Voting can feel daunting if you’re visually impaired. We’ve pulled together clear, practical information to help you understand your options and feel confident when the time comes. 🔗 https://sightscotland.org.uk/articles/blog/vote-scottish-parliament-elections-2026

Your voice matters! Thanks to everyone who completed the survey by Transport Scotland on the pilot for free companion rail travel for Eye +1 NEC cardholders. Your feedback helps us strengthen the case to make sure this policy is here to stay!