A Huddersfield sight loss charity has launched a roadshow for local communities to receive guidance about any concerns they have about their eyesight, which they may have been unable to get checked during the pandemic.

Outlookers, previously known as KVIN, is a user-led visual impairments organisation which runs support services for the blind and partially sighted throughout the Kirklees area. The organisation has had a van donated by a local vehicles provider, which has allowed them to set up a mobile sight loss centre which will be visiting several local locations throughout the summer.

The aim of the roadshow is to provide sight loss support and advice to local communities, especially to individuals isolated by disability or lack of access to transport. The roadshow will be stopping at various points around Huddersfield and Dewsbury, beginning on the 18th of August and running until 8th Sept.

This roadshow follows on from Outlookers’ previous project, Community Champions, in which the charity collaborated with Kirklees Council to help those with disabilities access the COVID-19 vaccine.

Outlookers is run by people who themselves have sight loss. The charity specialises in peer support, and also in ensuring that those with partial sight or blindness have access to technology that will enable them to retain independence and good quality of life.

Volunteers at Outlookers run one-on-one tuition with individuals suffering from sight loss, teaching them relevant skills at their own pace, such as accessing talking books online, or adapting their smartphone for increased usability.

Christine Stephen, CEO at Outlookers, commented:

The charity has a wealth of knowledge about technology which people can easily learn to use to benefit themselves, so we want to ensure that residents throughout Kirklees have the access to any support they need through their sight loss journey. We are so thrilled to be able to meet as many people as possible throughout the summer.