LOW VISION DAY PREVIEW

This year’s annual Peterborough Low Vision Day will be held on September 21 from 10.30am to 3.30pm at Deaf Blind UK in Hampton.

The low vision event is designed to cater for everyone with the hope of helping people maintain their independence and get out and about.

The day will be filled with over 20 exhibitions, demonstrating low vision aids, technology and services to enable people to truly live their lives.

The event is designed for everyone, whether you are a person who is experiencing sight difficulties, a carer, a family member or a parent or guardian of a child or young person with sight loss.

In Peterborough there are approximately 1,800 people who are registered blind or partially sighted.

More than 70% of people who are blind or partially sighted lack confidence to join in everyday activities. At the Low Vision Day, there will be taster sessions in yoga, archery and diamond painting to encourage physical and mental wellbeing.

On the day, Guide Dogs will run two guide dog training sessions. They will also demonstrate how a long cane can help you navigate the external environment safely and show you how to guide safely.

This is all important for those affected by low vision, as 180,000 people with sight loss rarely leave the house alone.

There is a free courtesy bus running to/from Bay 10A in Queensgate Bus Station going to Deaf Blind starting from 10am and running throughout the day.

Also on hand will be sighted guides to support at the bus station and at Deaf Blind.

Peterborough Low Vision Day is organised by Low Vision Forum is made up from Peterborough City Hospital Low Vision Clinic, Peterborough Association for the Blind, Guide Dogs, Macular Society, Peterborough Sensory Team, RNIB, and Deaf Blind UK.