Four years ago, Nicky woke with a terrible headache and sickness. Within hours, she had lost her sight.

“It was terrifying,” she recalls. “I couldn’t see anything. I was in total shock.”

Our Eye Clinic Liaison Officer, Scott, spoke to Nicky several times a day while she was in hospital, helping her understand what was happening and reassuring her that she wasn’t facing the future alone.

“It was so important,” Nicky says. “Just hearing someone say, ‘We’re here for you, and this is how we can help you’, made all the difference.”

Left completely blind because of a rare side effect with her medication, Nicky later had surgery to give her back 30% of her vision. Unfortunately, that would only be a temporary measure, and she now faces further sight loss.

Nicky couldn’t imagine how she would cope, especially living on her own.

“I thought I would lose my home, my job, and never see my grandkids grow up.”

Once she was out of hospital, our Rehabilitation Worker, Debbie, helped her realise that sight loss didn’t have to mean losing her independence. Together they worked on long cane training, learning safe routes and using public transport. Debbie also showed her practical ways to manage life at home, from marking appliances to using task lamps and specialist equipment safely.

“Debbie is amazing,” she says. “She’s always positive, encouraging and helpful. With Debbie helping me, I believe that I can do anything.”

Adjusting emotionally to sudden sight loss was just as challenging as learning new practical skills. Through KAB’s specialist counselling service, Nicky found a safe place to process her trauma.

“I’ve had counselling before,” she says, “but nothing compares to KAB’s.

My counsellor is also sight impaired, so she understood my fears in a way no one else could. She was living proof that there is life beyond sight loss. That gave me hope and the reassurance that my world wasn’t ending, even though it felt like it at the time.”

As her confidence grew, Nicky rekindled her love of art and joined KAB’s art group. Reluctant at first, Nicky soon learnt to adapt her artistic style to express herself in new ways. She also went back into mental health work, as a volunteer art therapist.

One KAB service that continues to make the biggest difference is her weekly Guide Communicator. Julie helps Nicky with tasks like shopping and paperwork.

“I wouldn’t cope without that support,” Nicky says. “Shopping fills me with anxiety because I can’t read prices or find what I need. Having Julie with me means peace of mind.”

Thanks to KAB’s support and encouragement, Nicky faces life with hope and determination. It’s no wonder that her favourite saying is: ‘You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf’.

Every day, more people across Kent begin their own journey with sight loss. Please will you donate today? Your kindness could help someone like Nicky to believe anything is possible.

Donate to our Summer Appeal

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2026 Heart of KAB Awards

Our Heart of KAB Awards is the highlight of our year. It’s such an honour to hear about the achievements of people we’ve supported.

The night was a great success and we’d like to thank our headline sponsor Kent and Medway Local Optical Committee and Primary Eyecare Kent and Medway for their ongoing support. Also thanks to event partner Specsavers Kent stores, award sponsors Givaudan and Optelec, entertainment sponsor Nova IT Solutions and Independent Insurance Services for sponsoring the table drinks.

Our Betty Betts (named after our former Chair of Trustees) category is our most prestigious award. It goes to a person with a sight impairment in recognition of their outstanding person achievements.

The winner of the Betty Betts Award went to Kelly, who is a real inspiration. Not only is she a fantastic artist who attends the KAB Art Groups, she also set up a social group in her local area and facilitated online peer support groups.

A big congratulations to Kelly for winning this award, and to the two finalists, Richard and Alison. Richard’s progress after rapid sight loss just 3 years ago, is remarkable. Last year, he did a tandem skydive for KAB and has helped to share the work of KAB at our Golf Day.

Alison has shown extraordinary resilience in overcoming significant barriers as a result of her sight impairment and workplace inaccessibility. She also uses her lived experience to advocate tirelessly for improved inclusivity and accessibility for others.

The Young People Awards are always enjoyable, with joint winners in both age categories. When asked how the winners felt, 11 year-old Freddie delighted the audience by saying: “I’m really proud of myself. I’ve had such a wonderful time!” And 3-year old Elodie was clearly very excited to be on stage and told the audience she wants to be “Mummy” when she grows up!

The joint winners of the over 13 category went to Owen and Archie. Owen’s dedication to fundraising for KAB is remarkable and he’s already planning his next adventure. Archie, who was unable to attend the awards ceremony, has done especially well in learning new routes to school and to his work placement, where he excelled and showed great confidence. Our finalists, Avneil, Jaydip and Kristan have shown that their visual impairment is no obstacle to their achievements. Avneil told the audience about his goal to attend Oxford University and Kristan gave a shout out to KAB’s Rehab Workers, saying “I wouldn’t be here today without Mark and John.” Jaydip said his award was ‘good and unexpected’ and his father was extremely proud of him.

The Outstanding Fundraiser category had joint winners, for two very special families who have children who are being supported by KAB. They have collectively raised over £37,000. Jessica told us: “We just want to give so much back to KAB. We’ve had support from the first day of diagnosis. They have come to us. We’ve never had to ask for anything; there’s always been support for us. It’s not just Elodie, it’s all of us. We’re lucky to live in Kent and have KAB support us.” Emily’s family were the joint winners and told us: “They have supported us from day one. They have a very special place in our hearts. Any opportunity to fundraise and give back and a special shout out to Jen, (KAB’s Children’s Worker)!” Our finalist in this category is the Orpington Band, whose former conductor and musical director, Roy, was a client of KAB and an inspiration to other band members. For over 6 years, the Band has been supporting KAB through annual carol concerts and we’re so grateful for their ongoing support.

A huge thank you also goes to Kishan, who, through his company Student Chambers Life-Long Learning, has funded multiple soft play sessions for children. Kishan’s daughter is only recently diagnosed as visually impaired, and Kishan was keen to help provide sessions for other sight impaired children. Congratulations to Kishan as the winner of the Appreciation category. He said: “I want to say a big thank you to Nicola (KAB’s Children’s Worker). If it wasn’t for Nicola, the soft play sessions and activities wouldn’t be possible.” The finalist in this category is Canterbury Tennis Club, who run and subsidise weekly term time visually impaired tennis sessions, which are enjoyed by all who attend.

There are so many organisations who go the extra mile to support us, and we’re so grateful to each and every one of them. A massive thanks goes to CES Medical , who climbed England’s highest peak – Scafell Pike, raising over £3,000 for KAB. CES Medical were the overall winners of the Philanthropic Partner award and we can’t wait to hear about their next big fundraising challenge!

A special shout out to our long-standing supporters, Kevin, who has raised nearly £2,000 through his personal collection box and to the team at Minster’s Dragon Inn who not only promote our collection box at their restaurant, they also top-up the donations each time its collected. Unfortunately our finalists were unable to attend our awards ceremony, so we look forward to giving them their trophies over the coming weeks.

The winner of our Befriender category went to Lesley who provides compassionate, dedicated support to a gentleman in a care home. Her patience and unwavering commitment has a profound impact on the gentleman’s wellbeing. Congratulations also to finalist Daryl, who has been volunteering with KAB for over 12 years as a befriender, a social group volunteer and a fundraising tin collector. We thank Daryl for giving up her time to brighten the lives of others.

The volunteers, who help out either behind the scenes or at events aboard Iris – our mobile sight centre – were winners of the Spirit of KAB award. Kath, Barbara and Marguerite – this trio are always ready to roll up their sleeves and help whenever and wherever they are needed. Not only do they help out with Iris, they also help with social groups and fundraising events. Their commitment, enthusiasm, humour and generosity make a real difference to the lives of people we support. We’re incredibly grateful for everything they do.

The winner of the Volunteer of the Year category went to David, who is a long-standing collection tin volunteer covering around 150 locations. He is such a kind, reliable and proactive volunteer, truly valued by KAB. Our finalists were Ellen and duo Dee and John. Ellen is a counsellor who continues to support us as a counsellor in a volunteering capacity. Her creativity and calming spirit help ease clients during difficult times. Dee and John are dependable volunteers, with over 45 collection tin sites in their area. Their commitment extends beyond this vital role, as they have also supported KAB at many events over the years.

Congratulations to Wendy Daws Art for volunteering for 20 years with KAB. Wendy is a professional artists who runs the MESS ROOM CIC, an inclusive space for fun, accessible, and innovative artistic workshops.

Her volunteering started with setting up an art group in Medway and has now expanded to Gravesend, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells and Bromley.

There is so much that goes into running these groups and they are extremely professionally run, inclusive, welcoming and are much-loved by all who attend.

Wendy’s passion for art and for helping visually impaired people is limitless. Her ability to turn ‘what if?’ into ‘look what we’ve achieved’ is nothing short of remarkable.

Wendy’s dedication and kindness make a real impact on everyone she meets. We’re delighted to choose Wendy for this special recognition award. Thanks Wendy!

Step out for sight loss this Summer

This Summer bring your friends and family together for a meaningful adventure on a KAB sensory nature walk. With three lovely locations across Kent, step into the smell, sound, touch and taste of nature, all whilst raising essential funds to support people living with sight loss.

Sign up today by clicking the link below.
Tickets start from just £4.00.
Distance: 4-5km
We ask that each participant raises a minimum of £25.00 to help support people living with sight loss in Kent.

Mote Park, Maidstone

Saturday 6th June

High Elms Country Park, Bromley

Saturday 18th July

Betteshanger Park, Deal

Saturday 22 August

Our sincere thanks to Tim Newell (whose 3-year old daughter Elodie is being supported by KAB) who has worked closely with Meta to receive a donation of 25 pairs of Meta Ray-Bans to help people we support. We can’t wait for them to be used and see the difference they’ll make.

Meta tells us:

“Our Ray-Ban Meta glasses, through their built-in AI capabilities and partnership with Be My Eyes, are helping people with disabilities navigate their daily lives with greater independence. The glasses enable hands-free calling and texting, real-time speech translation, and visual scene descriptions, while also connecting users with volunteers who can offer personalized assistance. This project embodies our commitment to using technology for good – empowering individuals by providing tools that foster confidence, autonomy, and connection in everyday life.”

Richard lost the sight in his left eye due to a haemorrhage and later lost the sight in his right eye from chronic uveitis. He tells us: “Occasionally I can see a little bit of light, but otherwise I cannot see at all. For a long time, this made everyday tasks very difficult, and I struggled without help.”

Richard contacted KAB as he needed help with something that was making his life difficult at the time – his phone.

Something as simple as making a phone call depended on other people. Richard recalls: “I was using a basic button phone and could only answer calls. If I wanted to ring my sons, I had to contact a carer through my lifeline so they could come in, look up the number, and dial it for me. The carers were always helpful, but I often felt like a burden, especially when they were busy. It was frustrating and disheartening to rely on others for something so small but so important.”

That’s when Richard decided to contact KAB to ask about a phone that allows him to be more independent.

Through KAB’s Assistive Technology Team, he was introduced to the Synapptic phone.

“Peter helped me to get a new phone and patiently taught me how to use it. At first, I was nervous. New technology felt daunting, especially when I couldn’t see it. But with Peter’s guidance, it quickly became easier. Now with my new phone, I can simply touch the screen and slide my finger down it to activate the voice control and ask the phone to call my sons. Being able to talk to the phone and have it talk back to me is the best part.”

The Synapptic phone can also read out the phone’s battery percentage, which is an important feature for Richard. With support from Peter, he now has a phone that works for his needs. It has given him confidence, freedom and his independence back.

He tells us:

This phone has really saved my life.

Read the latest issue of KAB Connect Spring 2026 that features:

Richard’s story of greater freedom with his new phone
Accessible health products
Events we attend on board our mobile sight centre, Iris
Sensory Nature Walks in Maidstone, Betteshanger Park and High Elms Country Parks
Spring into action with a Cup of Tea for KAB fundraiser

KAB Connect Spring 2026

ECLO Impact Report for 2025/2026

Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) are a nationally recognised model of good practice, providing a bridge between Health and Social Care services.

Read about the impact the service has on patients with a sight impairment and to hospital staff.

The ECLO is invaluable to my patients as a link between the clinic and KAB. It is a huge relief to be able to put patients directly in touch with someone who can offer them real help. Patients are invariably grateful for the support.

As we quickly approach Christmas, I would like to take a moment to say a big THANK YOU to everyone connected to Kent Association for the Blind.

This time of year offers an opportunity to reflect, and I am continually humbled by the generosity, kindness and commitment shown by our community. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our supporters and fundraisers for their generosity. Your fundraising efforts and donations make an enormous difference and enable us to continue providing vital services to people living with a sight impairment across Kent, Medway and Bromley.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to our volunteers for their unwavering support this year. Whether you volunteer at one of our social groups, collect donation boxes from local companies, or offer your time as a befriender to people who value your companionship, your contribution is truly invaluable. You are at the heart of everything we do.

To our dedicated staff teams, thank you for the huge difference you make to people’s lives every day. I am always in awe of the kindness you show to people you work with. Your knowledge, compassion, encouragement and drive to make KAB the best we can be is so heart-warming and fills me with great pride.

Our sincere thanks also go to our partners with whom we work closely with, in order to provide a seamless journey for the people we support.

On behalf of everyone at Kent Association for the Blind, thank you for contributing to a great year. I wish you and your loved ones a very happy Christmas and a hopeful, healthy New Year.

Kind Regards

Eithne Rynne
Chief Executive

This Christmas, please help restore hope for someone whose world has been turned upside down.

Last year, everything changed for Richard in an instant.

Richard has Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy – a rare genetic disease that can cause sudden and irreversible sight loss. He tells us: “I have relatives who are blind because of the condition, but I never thought it would happen to me.”

One morning, as he was working from home, he noticed a small speck on his glasses. He recalls: “I tried to rub it off, but it wouldn’t. Then I realised…it was really happening to me – I was losing my sight.”

Over just a few short weeks, Richard’s sight rapidly deteriorated. His computer screen magnification went from 200% to 800%. He could no longer read emails or safely cross the road.

I had no central vision. Within two months, I lost my sight. My whole world completely fell to pieces. I truly felt my life was over.

But a friend reached out to Kent Association for the Blind – and that’s when hope began to return.

Richard met Scott, KAB’s Eye Clinic Liaison Officer, at the hospital. “When he reached out, I felt everything was going to be OK. Someone was listening and fighting my corner – chasing doctors and getting me fast-tracked to Moorfields Eye Hospital.”

Next came Hazel, KAB’s Rehabilitation Worker. “She taught me cane training, how and when to cross the road safely, and showed me that life was going to be OK. She helped me learn how to do the everyday tasks I used to do – like using the washing machine, with tactile stickers on the buttons.”

Richard benefitted from KAB’s counselling service when he needed emotional support most, and from our Assistive Technology Team who gave him training to use a computer with specialist software.

I never thought I’d be here today. I don’t know where I’d be if it wasn’t for KAB.

Please help someone like Richard find hope again.

Your gift could help fund the vital services people depend on when their world has turned upside down, like counselling, assistive technology and social groups.

Despite a challenging few years, Richard continues to face life with remarkable determination. With the right support, he’s rebuilding confidence and proving what’s possible – most impressively by completing a tandem skydive this year to raise over £2,000 for KAB. What an achievement!

Make a donation

Support us by donating regularly or a one-time donation.

KAB Connect is a newsletter sent twice a year to our clients and supporters. We have two different versions.

One is specifically for people we support, giving them useful information about products and services that may help them. We also share our top tips on how to live more independently.

Our other newsletter is specifically for our supporters, sharing news about what we’ve been up to and how we’ve been supporting people.

The latest issues of KAB Connect are available to download in a variety of different formats below:

Newsletter for people with a sight impairment

Read Tony’s inspirational story and other features including: diabetes awareness, our Christmas carols event in Bearsted, some useful tips on making your life easier and safer, Scott tells us about his role as a Charles Bonnet Syndrome Champion and don’t miss out on event where we’ll be attending with our Iris mobile sight centre. Find out about the social groups that need new members, read about our incredible fundraisers Owen and Richard, and see this year’s Christmas card selection.

This newsletter is in large print 18pt. This issue is sponsored by VisionAid.

KAB Connect supporter newsletter

With features including: Our Christmas carols event in Bearsted, and read Tony’s story about finally getting the help he needs. Read about our incredible fundraisers Owen and Richard, and see this year’s Christmas card selection.

This newsletter is in standard print size 12pt.

Other formats

Independent living tips and advice

We have put together a range of tips and advice to support your independent living. You can access all our advice, as featured in our KAB Connect newsletters, by visiting our help and advice pages.