Making a visible difference for people with sight loss

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Since 1875

We’ve been here to make sure no one has to face sight loss alone. Whether you're just starting your journey or have been navigating it for a while, we can help you to live well with sight loss. We've been supporting people with conditions like Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Tunnel Vision, and Glaucoma for generations. Our vision? A world where everyone values and protects their sight, and where visual impairment is just a part of your story, not the whole story.

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Cataracts

Cataracts are when the lens, a small transparent disc inside your eye, develops cloudy patches. Over time these patches usually become bigger causing blurry, misty vision and eventually blindness.

Learn more about sight loss and its impact on daily life on the Fight for Sight website.

Cataracts: Cataracts cause your lens to become cloudy, making your vision blurred. The condition can affect one or both eyes, and usually develops when you get older, worsening over time. In the UK, age-related cataracts affect around half of people aged 65 and above. It can also affect children, although this is rare.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, which is caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (Retina). It does take a few years for the condition to reach a stage where your vision is affected.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma is part of a group of eye conditions which result in damage to the optic nerve, resulting in loss of vision. It is the second most common cause of sight loss around the world, and the number of people diagnosed with the condition is set to spike due to an aging population.
Macular Degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition which is normally found in people aged over 50. This condition means you lose your central vision, though you still have your peripheral vision.
Charles Bonnet Syndrome: Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) causes people who have lost some sight to see things that aren't actually there, also known as hallucinating. It is only caused through sight loss and isn't a sign of mental health problems.
Retinitis Pigmentosa: Retinitis Pigmentosa, also known as RP, is a group of eye conditions that are genetic and affect peripheral vision and night vision. RP causes permanent vision loss, which impacts the retina. How the condition develops in each person varies.
Dry Eye: Dry Eye is a common condition which is caused by your tears which are not able to provide adequate lubrication. Tears keep your eyes healthy and help you focus. Tears are made up of three films, including the mucin layer, watery layer and lipid layer.

How Beacon makes a difference

What’s On October 2025

Join us for a fantastic month of activities designed to connect, engage, and inspire! From active outings including walks to a fantastic cooking session to a diabetes awareness talk and […]

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Top 10 Must-Know UK Discounts For People Living With Sight Loss

Living with a visual impairment in the UK brings substantial extra costs every month, for essential items and services. However, many organisations offer discounts and concessions to help offset these […]

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What’s On September 2025

Join us for a fantastic month of activities designed to connect, engage, and inspire! From active outings including walks to a fantastic cooking session, there’s something for everyone. Remember, spaces […]

Read 'What’s On September 2025' article in full

I am very happy and grateful for what the Beacon Centre has done for me in my life, and I am sure there are many other people who have received tremendous help from their wonderful staff.

As a recently registered severely sight impaired young adult, I felt quite hopeless and scared of starting my adult life. I didn't know how to gain more independence, find a job and where to even look for help. Thankfully I was contacted by the staff at the Beacon Centre. With the help of their amazing team I applied and got a position that truly suits my needs and interests! Additionally, I'm becoming more independent through the Braille and IT training that the Centre provides. I am incredibly thankful for all the support I've received, and I hope more people in need will come to the Beacon Centre as it is an amazing organisation that truly cares about helping visually impaired people.

“I feel I am getting on so well now, I am happy with the support I have received, other people have also noticed my improvement. My confidence has definitely improved”.

Beacon lifestyle service member

“I enjoy volunteering with Beacon because I feel I am giving a little back to society and making a difference to someone who would otherwise not have many visitors