More than 48,000 people have signed the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s Out of Sight petition, marking the largest petition in RNIB’s history and sending a strong public signal about the urgency of access to vision rehabilitation services.
The petition was formally delivered to England’s Department of Health and Social Care in March 2026 by blind and partially sighted campaigners, following a symbolic cane walk from Parliament Square in Westminster. The walk highlighted the importance of mobility and independence skills that are often developed through vision rehabilitation, and the severe consequences when access to these services is delayed or unavailable.
RNIB’s Out of Sight campaign draws attention to the widespread delays faced by people who are newly blind or partially sighted. Vision rehabilitation is a legal entitlement in England, designed to support people to remain independent, connected and able to participate fully in society. However, RNIB warns that many people experience long waits before receiving even an initial assessment, leaving their lives effectively “on pause” at a critical moment.
Speaking at the hand‑in of the petition, RNIB’s Director of Policy, Campaigns and Social Action, Eleanor Thompson, emphasised that public support for change is clear, and that no one should be left waiting for vital support following sight loss.
Blind ambassadors and campaigners who took part in the action shared personal testimony about how timely vision rehabilitation had enabled them to regain independence, develop careers, and participate fully in their communities. Opportunities they say would not have been possible without the right support at the right time.
While the campaign focuses on England, the issues it raises resonate across Europe. Inconsistent access to rehabilitation services, workforce shortages, and fragmented systems remain challenges in many countries. RNIB’s Out of Sight campaign reinforces the importance of strong national standards, clear pathways, and sustained investment to ensure that vision rehabilitation is recognised as an essential service rather than an optional add‑on.
EBU members interested in learning more about RNIB’s approach to campaigning on rehabilitation and service standards can explore the Out of Sight campaign materials via RNIB’s website, Out of Sight I Our Vision Rehabilitation campaign | RNIB