People living with sight loss, along with their families, friends and carers, are invited to a free event showcasing the latest support, equipment and advice available across Dorset.
Dorset Blind Association’s annual Low Vision Day will take place on Saturday 21 November, from 10am until 2pm, at The Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester.
Sponsored by Ridgewater Energy, the event will bring together leading organisations, healthcare professionals and specialist exhibitors, offering visitors the chance to discover practical solutions that can help people with sight loss live more independently.
Among the highlights of this year’s event will be a live demonstration of Meta smart glasses by Vision Express Dorchester, showcasing how wearable AI technology is opening up new possibilities for people living with visual impairment.
Visitors will also hear from Lucy Howe, Consultant Ophthalmologist, who will present a talk on the latest advances in the treatment of macular conditions before hosting an interactive Q&A session focusing on Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Alongside the guest speakers, visitors will be able to explore a wide range of low vision aids, meet local support organisations, discover assistive technology and speak directly with Dorset Blind Association’s Community Support Workers.
Peter Bywater, MD at Ridgewater Energy, said:
“We’re delighted to be sponsoring Dorset Blind Association’s Low Vision Day. As a Dorset-based business, we’re proud to support an event that connects people with the advice, technology and services that can make such a positive difference to everyday life. We hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to come along and discover the support that’s available.”
Leah Cross, Community Support Manager at Dorset Blind Association, said:
“Many people don’t realise how much support is available after a diagnosis of sight loss. Low Vision Day gives people the opportunity to discover practical equipment, meet experts, experience the latest technology and find out what services are available locally, all in one place. We’re incredibly grateful to Ridgewater Energy for their generous sponsorship. Their support enables us to bring together organisations like Vision Express Dorchester, alongside expert speakers such as Lucy Howe, helping us deliver what promises to be one of Dorset’s most informative events for people living with sight loss.”
The event is open to anyone affected by sight loss, including family members, carers and healthcare professionals wishing to learn more about local services.
Admission is free and no booking is required.
Event Details
Low Vision Day
Saturday 21 November, 10am–2pm. FREE ENTRY
The Dorford Centre
Bridport Road
Dorchester DT1 1RR
10.30am – Lucy Howe: Advances in treatments for macular conditions, plus a Q&A on AMD.
12 noon – Vision Express Dorchester: Live demonstration of Meta smart glasses.
For further information, please contact Dorset Blind Association at 01202 712869.
About Dorset Blind Association
Dorset Blind Association has been providing practical and emotional support for people with sight loss since 1918. The charity supports more than 1,000 visually impaired members across the county every month and offers community groups, equipment advice, home visits, and much more to help people stay connected and enjoy life to the full.
For the event’s full agenda, and for more information about the Dorset Blind Association, please follow @dorsetblind on Facebook or Instagram, call 01202 712865 or email communityrelations@dorsetblind.org.uk.
