Vision Ireland's Commitment to 2025

As Christmas draws near and the excitement builds, 2024 comes to an end, it is worth reflecting on not only on the milestones that we have achieved but also on the challenges ahead and our unwavering commitment to building a more accessible future.

From our rebrand and the opening of the Wayfinding Centre to the launch of the Vision Van, the Clear Our Pathways campaign, more shops and our extended Pop Up presence to Vision Sports Ireland’s programmes, these initiatives were more than accomplishments, they were meaningful steps toward addressing the needs of the almost 300,000 people in Ireland living with blindness or vision impairment.

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This year, our incredible and dedicated teams supported over 8,200 people and their families - a 2% increase on 2023 - with 33% (2,691) accessing vision rehabilitation supports for the first time.

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A year ago, our rebrand was more than a change of name, it was a promise, a commitment to reach every person in Ireland affected by sight loss.?However, connecting with more people has revealed the depth of inequities in healthcare, education, and employment.

Ensuring no one is left behind demands sustained effort.

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The opening of the Wayfinding Centre this year was a beacon of hope and innovation. The first facility of its kind in the world. Through partnership and collaboration, it will shape the future of transport and mobility and unlocking opportunities for independence, education, and work.

Yet, barriers persist. Accessibility in public transport and the built environment remains inconsistent, underscoring the urgency of systemic change. Addressing these inequalities is not optional, it is imperative.

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Every day in Ireland, 18 people begin losing their sight. Early intervention is vital.

Launched this year, our Vision Van, Ireland’s only charity-run mobile eye health screening unit, serves as a lifeline, bringing essential diagnostics to communities. With up to 75% of blindness preventable, raising awareness remains critical. Equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, the van identifies conditions that, if caught early, can prevent vision loss.

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The?Clear Our Pathways campaign once again highlighted the hazards of cluttered footpaths - obstacles that injure over 75% of those surveyed. Footpaths with obstacles, bins, bicycles, cars, aren’t just nuisances, they are very real dangers. The message is clear, creating safer spaces for all requires a collective effort because public awareness campaigns must become public action if we are to achieve meaningful change.

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Our Retail presence grew, the rebranding of our shops continued and the overwhelming commitment of our retail staff and volunteers, not only in the shops but supporting Vision Sports events, dealing with fundraising and being our high street presence is essential to everything we do. 2024 saw us with bigger and better shops delivering record outputs for Vision Ireland.

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Vision Sports Ireland ’s annual events MayFest and Zero Limits once again offered vital opportunities for physical activity and connection. However, our research revealed that only 9.6% of blind or vision-impaired children meet WHO activity guidelines, with adults faring only slightly better at 21.7%.

Bridging this gap demands investment in accessible programmes, training, and adaptive sports.As we enter 2025, Vision Ireland’s determination to tackle these challenges has never been stronger. We will continue to advocate, innovate, and collaborate, ensuring equal opportunities for people who are blind, or vision impaired to live independent lives.

Vision Ireland is us, we are the people that define it and in 2024 we have led the way on so many fronts, delivering for our entire community, it is always worth taking a moment to reflect on the success of 2024, take a breath and look forward to 2025.

We are nothing without our people and I’m immensely proud of everything you have achieved this year.

The future is bright and exciting and we will all make Ireland a better place by our efforts in 2025.

Merry Christmas to you and your families and look forward to seeing you all in 2025.

Chris White , CEO Vision Ireland.