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

Beacon Spooktacular Halloween Family Fun Day

Join Beacon for a FREE, inclusive Halloween Fun Day for children and young people with visual impairment and all disabilities. With a morning Halloween party, afternoon cinema screening, CYP sight loss drop-in and activities for the whole family, there’s something for everyone. Booking is required and places are limited.

Read 'Beacon Spooktacular Halloween Family Fun Day' article in full

Carols by Candlelight

Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Beacon’s first Carols by Candlelight. Join us in the beautiful surroundings of St Andrew’s Church for an uplifting evening of traditional carols, live music, and festive warmth, hosted by Dickie Dodd.

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How An Internship Became My Lifesaver – Elke’s Story

written by Elke Wallace To mark National Eye Health Week, Elke shares how her role at Beacon and her journey on the Get Set Progress Internship ran by the Thomas […]

Read 'How An Internship Became My Lifesaver – Elke’s Story' 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

Making a visible difference for people with sight loss

Shop with us

Help someone to live well with sight loss

Bostin' Black Country Business Hall of Fame

Santa Run 2026

Carols by Candlelight

Since 1875

About Sight Loss

How Beacon makes a difference

Latest News & Events

Beacon Spooktacular Halloween Family Fun Day

Carols by Candlelight

How An Internship Became My Lifesaver – Elke’s Story

What People Say About Beacon