About Us
Supporting & empowering the people of Hertfordshire with a visual impairment
Herts Vision Loss (formerly Herts Society for the Blind) exists to support the county’s estimated population of 38,900 people with sight loss in 2022 according to latest available data from RNIB. This number is set to rise to 45,800 by 2032, according to the Royal National Institute for the Blind. Our aim is to support any person, living in Hertfordshire with a significant sight impairment.
About Us
Our Front Line Services
We provide a wide range of practical, emotional and social support for people living with sight loss, visual impairment and their families. Our services include specialist counselling relating to sight loss, volunteer and befriending support, regular Sight Life social groups, day trips and community activities, including our Visionary Seniors project, as well as our quarterly Sight News publication, available in a range of accessible formats including print, braille, CD, USB and email. Our Vision Loss Advisors provide personalised advice and support in people’s homes, including guidance on low vision aids, magnifiers, registration, entitlements and other available services. We also offer Assistive Technology Support, helping people make the most of smartphones, tablets, computers and voice-activated technology, alongside demonstrations of specialist equipment such as digital magnifiers and other visual aids. Our support extends to training and employment, information and signposting, Low Vision Clinics, Community Engagement Forums and a specialist CVI Officer who supports adults with registration. We work with schools to raise awareness of vision impairment, accessibility and inclusion. Our Vision in Motion project, offers support and activities for children and young people accompanied by a parent or carer. We also provide specialist Grassroots Domestic Abuse Support, accessible transport through our minibus service, and opportunities for community connection, friendship and peer support. Whatever your needs, we are here to listen, provide information and help you access the right support.Get in Touch
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower people affected by sight loss across Hertfordshire to live independent, confident and fulfilling lives.
At Herts Vision Loss, we believe that sight loss should not prevent anyone from participating fully in their community, accessing opportunities, making their own choices or enjoying a good quality of life.
We provide person-centred information, advice, practical and emotional support, assistive technology, community activities and opportunities for social connection. Working alongside individuals, families, carers, volunteers and partner organisations, we help people navigate the challenges of sight loss, develop confidence and skills, maintain their independence and access the services and opportunities that matter to them.
We are committed to reducing isolation and inequality, promoting accessibility and inclusion, and ensuring that the voices and lived experiences of blind and visually impaired people are at the heart of what we do.
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Our Ambition
Our ambition is for a Hertfordshire where every person affected by sight loss is supported, included and empowered to live the life they choose.
Support & Services
Between 2023-2028, HVL’s strategy has been one of Growth and Outcome.
We will reach and support thousands more blind and partially sighted people who most need our help. We will work to ensure that people who are experiencing loss of sight receive the support that they need to rebuild their lives. We aim to make sure that blind and partially sighted people get advice, support, and access to services to make the most of their lives. We will work to change our local community so that it fully includes blind and partially sighted people as equal citizens and consumers. We will continue to monitor the prevalence of sight loss and ensure that our accessible services meet the demands across Hertfordshire.
