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Centre for Sight listening event – a powerful day of collaboration

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On Saturday, March 22nd, we hosted our first-ever Centre for Sight Listening Event, this is an initiative that is aiming for vision and eyes scientists to join forces with researchers across the full range of sciences, humanities and arts in which UCL has world leading expertise. Bringing together 23 visually impaired individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups, the goal was to foster open discussions about the challenges faced by those with impaired vision and explore how eye research and research collaborations can drive meaningful solutions. A group of six women, including two guide dog users, pose together indoors at a Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre event. Two yellow labrador guide dogs stand at the front. A banner and refreshments are visible in the background.

Participants were divided into three groups:

  1. Young individuals (under 26) and parents of visually impaired children
  2. Adults aged 26–59
  3. Adults aged 60 and above

Each group engaged in two insightful sessions: one focused on the day-to-day challenges of living with visual impairment, and the other on identifying key collaborators to help address these issues. Throughout the day, we came together for collective feedback and reflection, reinforcing the power of shared experiences and expertise.

Despite differences in age and life stages, all three groups highlighted three major themes:

  1. Education
  2. Employment
  3. Physical environments

However, the social and emotional factors influencing these themes varied across groups, shedding light on the unique needs and perspectives of different age demographics.

A small group of people sit around a table in a breakout discussion session. A laptop screen displays the session’s question: “If you could change three things?”. The group appears engaged in conversation.
A wider group discussion is taking place around a large meeting table. A mix of participants, including men and women, are seated and engaged in a conversation. Natural light from tall windows brightens the room.

This event was thought-provoking and invaluable, not just for our contributors, but also for the researchers committed to making a difference. We are excited to take these insights forward, developing actionable recommendations and continuing our collaboration with participants.

Professor Jugnoo Rahi, who chaired the event, captured the spirit of the day perfectly:

Wow what a great event today. Thank you to each of you for all your hard work to make it the success it was. Powerful PPIE at its best!

This is a step toward real impact and we look forward to the next stages of our work with our patients.

A woman presents to a seated audience in a meeting room, with a sign language interpreter standing beside her. Attendees are listening attentively. The event is taking place during the day with natural light coming through the windows.

Further Information

Professor Jugnoo Rahi