Dreaming big for people affected by Sight Loss across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland

Published on 13th March 2025 in General

Louise Vista’s CEO and Stef our Reset Strategy day facilitator stand next to a large presentation screen with 'Introduction. Louise and Stef' on the screen. There is a long panel of windows behind them.

Our aims over the past few months have been to root Vista’s plans in reality, to listen to staff and volunteers (new and long standing) and firmly put the views of people affected by sight loss in the driving seat of any future plans.

A survey completed by over 400 service users in December 2023, told us the biggest barriers to living a life with choice and control included the general lack of:

• Support from those with lived experience

• Accessibility and provision of appropriate transport

• Technology

• Local and practical support for essential services

• The public’s understanding of sight loss on how it impacts people every day

We’ve used the insight from the survey along with analysis of wider world trends;

• Continuing cost of living crisis and the disproportionate increased negative impact on people living with a disability

• Increased competition for charity funds

• Growing costs for delivering high quality residential care

• Year on year reduction in funds from local authorities to provide statutory services

The tough economic climate, the growing needs of people affected by sight means Vista has to continue to evolve, as it has for the past 160 years. In order to adapt and be here for the long term, we must have a clear plan (several years in the future) that provides us with a focus, and pulls us together so we can track and celebrate our progress, being honest about things we can do better along the way.

In February and March, we held two RESET Strategy days, which included over 50% of people personally affected by sight loss sharing their lived experiences of Vista’s services and navigating the wider world.

Important areas for focus include:

Our work to prevent avoidable sight loss – this clearly has a positive impact on society more generally and feels like gap that Vista can step into and develop
Continuing our work to provide an understanding, supportive network that empowers people with sight loss to live well with confidence – this is for people of all ages, and their carers
To further develop our work to advise, educate and advocate making Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland an accessible, inclusive place where people with sight loss are recognised as experts, valued and included.

As we start to shape this work up further, putting more detailed plans and budgets together to support this work, we are left in no doubt, that a world without Vista would leave thousands of people without support or hope. People told us that they wouldn’t be here without Vista. Our work matters, and we can’t do it alone.

If you filled in a survey, attended a meeting or shared your views – you’ve contributed to the life saving services delivered by Vista, now and in the future. Thank you.

We’ll share our draft strategy and plans over the coming weeks. We couldn’t do it without you.

Here more from Louise in the reel linked below:

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