Vista is the leading local charity providing support and services to people with sight loss throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. We work with approximately 6,000 children and adults each year.
Vista has three main aims...
To promote eye health through education programmes and involvement with schools, communities and health professionals.
To reduce the impact of sight loss by supporting people at the point of diagnosis, and through supporting development of new skills to aid with daily living.
And to support and care for people with sight loss, such as children and young people, working age adults, adults with learning disabilities and older people including those with dementia.
Vista’s Services
Advice and Information Services
We operate a Vista helpline, which offers impartial information, advice and guidance.
We are also there at the point of diagnosis, supporting people in local eye clinics and hospitals. Our specialist staff provide emotional support and practical information when it is needed most.
Assessment and rehabilitation services
Low vision clinic – support for those whose vision can’t be corrected, e.g. magnifiers
Training skills for being independent at home and out in the community
Focus on speciality topics such as benefits advice, personal experiences of sight loss and guide dogs
Deafblind reablement team supporting people with hearing difficulties along with sight loss
Social Inclusion
We can signpost to local befriending services, in which a Befriender is matched one-on-one with a local person who may be isolated or lonely
We run regular social groups for some of the most isolated people living with sight loss. The groups choose to take part in various activities, such as crafts, quizzes, keeping fit, or trips out in their local community.
Our social groups offers a supportive environment, where local people are able to get together and understand others in a similar situation, and many members have made friends for life.
Sound and Transcription Services
Audio and braille transcription services for various audiences.
Residential Homes
Four residential homes
residential care for older people with sight loss, some who also have dementia
adults with learning disabilities.
Children, young people and families
For children with sight loss and complex needs, we offer regular music therapy sessions, giving the family an opportunity to meet other families in a relaxed setting.
We provide regular trips and activities for them to make friends with others and have fun. We don’t see vision a barrier and believe anything is possible, with previous activities including driving a car, horse-riding and indoor skydiving. These activities aim to develop confidence and independence.
Retail branch of Vista
We have four charity shops around Leicestershire, in Rothley, Shepshed, Syston and Oakham.
We are seeking new shop locations around Leicestershire to expand our reach and provide more staff and volunteering opportunities.
