Visionary members support Ukrainian delegation visit
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Visionary members joined a wider group of British sight loss charities to showcase vision rehabilitation services available in the UK to a delegation of Ukrainian health and education professionals, who were visiting in response to the large increase in traumatic eye injuries caused by the war in Ukraine.
Blind Veterans UK delivered the project with support from the World Health Organisation Ukraine, backed by the British Government. The military charity was selected due to its extensive expertise in sight loss rehabilitation, with particular recognition for its specialised work supporting individuals who have lost their vision as a result of armed conflict.
During the delegation’s two-week visit, with Visionary’s help, Blind Veterans UK organised the showcase of sight loss services from 17 organisations in the sector including many Visionary members.
Philippa Cubitt, National Rehabilitation Services Lead at Blind Veterans UK and coordinator of the project“On top of the number of eye injuries we are seeing in Ukraine, the issue is being exacerbated because the rehabilitation and specialised education workforce in Ukraine has not had access to this specific type of training. Our aim with this project is to support Ukraine to build their capacity and capability."
“Over the two-week period we gave an overview of the sight loss sector and services available in the UK such as independent living training, rehabilitation services, getting back into work, how services are funded, and charity partnerships."
“The complexity and nature of injuries incurred through modern warfare are different to those we have seen in recent years. This project is providing us with invaluable insights into the effects of modern weaponry on individuals. Lessons learned from this process will ensure that we are ready to support the needs of British armed forces as and when needed in the future.”
Fiona Sandford, Visionary CEO“Visionary welcomed the opportunity to support Blind Veterans to organise the visit, ensuring that the voice of local sight charities and the support offered in communities is included in the delegation's experience. This collaboration highlights our commitment to comprehensive representation across the visual impairment sector.”
You can read more about the visit here – Supporting Ukrainians who have vision loss due to the war | Blind Veterans UK.
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