Barnsley’s Vision Strategy group wants to hear about the experiences of Barnsley residents who have sight loss, from the point of diagnosis to on-going support and services. 

It will ask people for their experiences, views and opinions on prevention, independence and inclusion, and services. People will be able to give their views online at https://surveys.barnsley.gov.uk/s/AJFB4  on hard copies which can be filled in with support from members of the group including Barnsley Hospital and the RNIB, and over the telephone.

The Vision Strategy group is made up of representatives from people with sight loss, Barnsley Council, Education Inclusion Services, HealthWatch, Charities, NHS Barnsley Hospital, Barnsley Clinical Commissioning Group, South West Yorkshire Foundation NHS Partnership Trust, Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and local opticians.

The group is working together to develop ways to prevent sight loss, promote local eye health services and develop services for Barnsley people who have sight loss.

It plans to work with people with sight loss to look at what can be done within the resources available. They want to help people engage in what is already available locally, help support new community projects and look at developing services.

The term ‘sight loss’ includes people who have a sight loss that is affecting their everyday life; they may or may not be registered as sight impaired (partially sighted) or severely sight impaired (blind).

Information from completed questionnaires will be used to identify areas to focus on at an engagement event on Saturday 11 May, 12.30 to 3.30pm at Barnsley Town Hall. Part of the questionnaire will be an invitation to take part in this event.

Feedback on the outcome of the engagement event will be provided to people by October. 

For more information contact Emma White or Val Cole on 01226 787329.