Vision Ireland, the new name for NCBI, ushers in change

At an event on Monday, at 58 South William Street, Dublin 2, which was the organisation’s first official office in the 1930s, NCBI, the national sight loss agency, changed its name to Vision Ireland, as the true size of the community of people who are blind or vision impaired is revealed.

The name change is designed to be more inclusive, ensuring that everyone knows Vision Ireland supports people with a wide range of visual impairments.

According to census data, published recently, there are more than 296,000 people in Ireland who are blind or have a vision impairment. The name change for the 92-year-old national sight loss agency is designed to reach even more of the 6% of the population, or one in 17 people, who are blind or have a vision impairment. The data show that blindness or vision impairment affects 27% of all people experiencing at least one long-lasting condition or difficulty to any extent.

INCLUSIVE SOCIETY

At a special ceremony in Dublin to mark the launch, Chris White, Vision Ireland CEO, said: “Many people with sight issues are missing the opportunity to avail of our services because they are unaware that we support people with different levels of visual impairment. Our new name, Vision Ireland, is designed to reflect our broad range of support.

“The Vision Ireland name was developed through extensive consultation with staff, service users and volunteers – and they also like how our new name better represents the forward-looking and dynamic organisation that we are.

“Our mission hasn’t changed – we will continue as before – and continue to promote good eye health and continue to champion an inclusive society where physical and digital spaces are more accessible for all, regardless of abilities.”

‘FANTASTIC’ SUPPORT

Messages of support for Vision Ireland poured in from all over the world from RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind) in the UK, Vision Australia, European Blind Union and the World Blind Union among others.

Also speaking at Monday’s event were Paul Kelly, chair of Vision Ireland; Neasa Hourigan, TD, as well as Wicklow native Lar Keogh, who was born the same year NCBI was launched, 92 years ago. “I’ve had vision issues for quite a few years, but I didn’t realise I could avail of the services of NCBI. It’s been a revelation for me since I became a service user and I have been welcomed with open arms by everyone at Vision Ireland. Their support has been fantastic and it’s really made a big difference in my daily life.”