iSightCornwall marks its 160th birthday in October, making it one of Cornwall’s oldest charities.

Founded in 1856, the charity supported Cornish miners many of whom lost their sight due to mining accidents and the hazardous working conditions of the time. It was the first organised attempt to improve the lives of people with visual impairments living in Cornwall.

Originally called The Society for the Itinerant Teaching of the Blind in the County of Cornwall, the charity has been known by a few different, and more catchy, names over the years. The most recent transformation came in April 2015 when the charity changed its name from Cornwall Blind Association to iSightCornwall in order to reflect the views of visually impaired clients, many of whom did not identify themselves as being ‘blind’.

Each year, iSightCornwall supports approximately 4,000 people living with sight loss to lead active and independent lives. But with an estimated 22,000 people living with sight loss across Cornwall, a figure that is expected to grow to 32,000 over the next 15 years, the charity has extended its services in order to reach more people.

A new Community Outreach Service has been introduced for people who face isolation and barriers to transport so that they can access personalised advice and information either in their own home or at local community events.

In addition the charity’s Resource Centre in Truro, which was officially opened earlier this month by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, provides a hub of services and support.

The charity relies on donations and fundraising in order to provide these services.

Terri Rosnau-Ward, of iSightCornwall said: ’We are proud of our heritage of supporting people living with sight loss, and as the charity celebrates its 160th birthday we look forward to inspiring the futures of the generations to come.’

 To find out more about the advice and support on offer, contact iSightCornwall on 01872 261110 or visit www.isightcornwall.org.uk.