The Society was founded by a remarkable Victorian gentleman Dr William Moon who lost his sight after becoming a victim of scarlet fever at the age of four. William Moon observed the desperate poverty and isolation suffered by blind and partially sighted people at that time, many of whom had to beg to survive. Dr Moon, over many years, developed a system of reading and writing called "Moon", and this is still in use today.

In 1860 the Society, then called "The Moon Relief Fund" was founded. It started with Sunday afternoon Bible classes for the blind, then discussion groups were formed and other activities such as crafts were established.

In 1862 home teachers were trained to teach reading and writing and other skills to the blind. This method of teaching was so successful that other organisations were formed across the country Dr William Moon travelled throughout the world teaching Moon, its printing and his method of working.

In 1864 Dr Moon's home in Queens Road, Brighton was turned into a teaching centre and eye clinic. These services were to form the basis of the services, including rehabilitation, that today are provided internationally.

Today, the Brighton Society for the Blind is a large organisation, well known and highly respected nationally, and recognised internationally. The Society serves both blind and partially sighted people.

Society Structure

The Brighton Society for the Blind conducts its business and controls its finances and the work of four full time and nine part-time staff through a small streamlined Executive Committee of 14 people including four Honourary Officers. There are currently five subcommittees, focusing on Employment, Welfare Services and Planning, Leisure Activity, and Staff Liaison.

The Society has close working links with the Social Services, with two representatives offering support; and has other professional advisors. Visually impaired people play a strong lead role in the Society and its committees. The professional work of the Society is led by an Executive Director.

The conversion of the old people's home into a premier resource Centre (the Sussex Vision Centre) has been a major act of faith, requiring strong leadership, a high input of energy, and firm belief in the value the Centre can bring to the lives of the people who will make use of it.

Managing Change

Caring agencies are undergoing significant change in their roles and responsibilities as a result of new legislation and increased pressure on resources.The prime requirement for the Society is to manage change successfully, enhancing support to clients in serving the community into the next Century.

Sight Loss

Loss of sight, whether progressive or sudden, can create psychological, emotional, social and practical problems. It can lead to social isolation through loss of employment, income, long- established pastimes, and severe diffculties in getting about. It gives rise to problems that need special techniques and aids to help overcome them.

People losing their sight do not need just practical help. A white cane, or a guide dog, a liquid level indicator and a talking book machine will help practical matters, but these do not address the changed psychological, emotional and social circumstances of the blind or partially sighted person. Services have too often focused largely on practical matters. Tackling these can be important first steps in rehabilitation, but much more is needed to restore "the whole person". Relatives, friends and employers have a vital role to play in this process.

The number of adults in Britain with serious sight problems has been greatly underestimated in the past; there are an estimated 15,000 people in East Sussex alone who have not received a service.

On average, 2 people are registered blind and two more are registered partially sighted every day in Sussex.

Only 25% of visually impaired people are offically registered.

Three quarters of those people registered blind or partially sighted are over 75 years of age.

65% have additional illness or disability - almost half suffer from hearing loss, and 45% live alone.

Only one in four of those of working age are in employment.

Key Facts

One in sixty people in a typical community has a serious problem with their sight, more in retirement areas like Brighton. In the next century the proportion will rise to one in fifty-five as the elderly population continues to expand.

The Needs of Blind or Partially-Sighted People The particular needs of blind and partially sighted people may be identified as the following:

Information tailored to their circumstances.

Specific skills involving a considerable amount of relearning.

Special equipment; some of it basic, some quite sophisticated.

Skilled help from staff trained to recognise and assess the basic needs, and who are available to advise, counsel, and plan a programme of rehabilitation.

Confidence in all matters affecting their lives as blind or partially sighted people, through self help and mutual support, and through the availability of specifically tailored services.

There is a greater chance of full rehabilitation if these needs are tackled together in one place. This does not in any way imply that blind people should segregate themselves. The goal is integration. The resource centre provided at William Moon Lodge will address all five needs shown below together, thereby enabling people to handle their practical, psychological, emotional and social problems better.

Sussex Vision Centre - Centre of Excellence
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