Support groups

If you're blind or partially sighted, you may find it helpfulto contact a support group for people with visionloss. Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) TheRoyal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)is the UKs leading charity for people with vision loss, and it has a useful page on its website about coming to terms with sight loss. The RNIB's helpline is open Monday to Friday from 8.45am to 5.30pm. The number is 0303 123 9999, with calls costing no more than a standard rate call to an 01 or 02 number. You can alsoemail helpline staff (helpline@rnib.org.uk). The RNIB's website is specially designed for people with sight loss and provides a wide range of useful information and resources, including an online community andonline shop. Action for Blind People Action for Blind Peopleis another national charity that provides blind and partially sighted people with practical help and support. For example, the charity can provide you withsupport and information about the day-to-day practicalities of living with a visual impairment, such as adjusting your home to make it easier to get around. Other national charities Other national charities that specialise in vision loss and you may find useful include: The Macular Society helpline: 0300 3030 111 International Glaucoma Association helpline: 01233 64 8170 RP Fighting Blindness helpline: 0845 123 2354 or email: helpline@rpfightblindness.org.uk Diabetes UK 0345 123 2399 or email: info@diabetes.org.uk Blind Veterans UK 020 7723 5021 Local organisations There are also many local voluntary organisations around the country that help and support people with vision problems. You can search by postcode on a website called Visionaryto find local support organisations near you.