In this week’s episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with David Redmond, Communications Officer with Vision Ireland, about living with sight loss, the supports available across Ireland, and how technology is transforming independence for blind and visually impaired people.
David, who himself was born with a vision impairment, brought both professional insight and personal experience to a wide-ranging and informative conversation.
Sight Loss in Ireland: 18 People a Day
David began by outlining the scale of sight loss in Ireland today. While exact figures can vary due to changes in how disability is recorded, one statistic stands out:
Around 18 people in Ireland begin to lose their vision every single day.
Sight loss can happen for many reasons — age-related conditions, accidents, genetic conditions, or illness — and it affects people of all ages, from childhood through to later life.
Vision Ireland exists, David explained, to support people at every stage of that journey, from diagnosis through to long-term independence.
The Emotional Impact of Diagnosis
For families, especially parents of a child with sight loss, diagnosis can be an overwhelming and emotional experience.
Vision Ireland provides dedicated children’s services and specialist teams who support both the practical and emotional aspects of adjusting to vision impairment. David highlighted the risk of social isolation for visually impaired children, and the importance of ensuring access to sport, physical activity and peer connection.
He spoke warmly about initiatives such as Camp Abilities, a summer camp where visually impaired children come together to try sports, build confidence and form friendships.
Sport, Social Life and Belonging
Through Vision Sports Ireland, people of all ages can take part in walking groups, swimming, tandem cycling and many other activities across the country.
David stressed that sport is not only about fitness — it plays a vital role in confidence, social connection and mental wellbeing.
Technology as a Life-Changing Enabler
One of the central themes of the interview was the role of technology.
David described technology as one of the greatest enablers of independence for people with sight loss:
- Screen readers on phones and tablets
- Apps that read letters and labels aloud
- Smart glasses that describe environments
- Workplace software that enables full access
David himself uses screen-reading software to work, communicate and take part fully in professional life.
Through VI Labs, Vision Ireland provides technology training, one-to-one support, workplace training and a dedicated helpdesk to ensure people can use technology with confidence.
Eye Clinic Liaison Officers: Support at Diagnosis
David explained the important role of Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) — Vision Ireland staff based in hospitals who meet people at the moment of diagnosis.
Their role is to ensure that no one leaves an eye clinic without knowing where to go for support, information and guidance.
This bridge between the medical and social models of disability is crucial, David said, in helping people move from shock and uncertainty to confidence and independence.
Challenging the Myths Around Sight Loss
The conversation also addressed common myths about blindness and vision impairment:
- Visually impaired people can and do work
- They live full, independent lives
- They watch TV using audio description
- They dream, socialise, travel and raise families
David rejected the idea that people with disabilities should be “heroised” simply for living their lives.
“People with sight loss are just normal people who may do things a little differently.”
A Century of Support: The Story of Vision Ireland
Formerly known as the NCBI, Vision Ireland has been supporting blind and visually impaired people for almost 100 years.
Today, its services include:
- Community resource workers
- Technology training (VI Labs)
- Vision Sports Ireland
- Accessible library services (Braille, audio, large print)
- Children’s services
- Training for transport providers and public bodies
- Digital accessibility through its sister company Viale
Each person’s support plan is individual, because no two experiences of sight loss are the same.
How to Get Support — and How to Help
David encouraged anyone experiencing sight difficulties to contact Vision Ireland directly — no GP referral is required.
- 🌐 Website: www.vi.ie
- 📞 Phone: 1800 911 110
Members of the public can support Vision Ireland through donations, fundraising, and simple everyday actions — keeping paths clear, picking up dog waste, and thinking about accessibility in workplaces and public spaces.
“Small actions make a big difference.”
A Final Message
David closed with a reminder that sight loss is not the end of independence or opportunity.
With the right supports, technology and community, people with vision impairment can live full, active and meaningful lives.
This interview aired on Disability Matters with John Comiskey on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
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