The Partially Sighted Society

The Partially Sighted Society We are a registered charity dedicated to empowering people with visual impairments through holistic support, practical resources, and specialist equipment.

At the Partially Sighted Society, independence isn't just a goal — it's our purpose. We understand that living with a visual impairment affects every aspect of daily life, which is why we offer a wide range of free, specialist services designed to empower people with sight loss to live confidently and independently. Our free low vision service connects you with expert guidance tailored to your ind

ividual needs — whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing sight loss for years. We help you understand your condition, explore your options, and access the right tools and support. We also supply a carefully curated range of large-print and bold stationery, wide-lined notebooks, and practical low vision aids, all available by mail order and delivered across the UK. From schools and educational establishments to individuals and carers, our products are trusted by thousands of people nationwide. As a registered charity (No. 254052) based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, we receive no statutory funding — meaning every call we answer, every product we supply, and every person we support is made possible by those who believe in our mission. Whether you're looking for the right aid to make reading easier, need advice on managing day-to-day tasks with low vision, or simply want to speak to someone who understands — we're here, and our support is free. Living with sight loss is challenging. Finding help shouldn't be. Call us today and let us show you everything we can do.

Which unexpected skill have you developed because of your sight loss?Living with sight loss often means learning to appr...
01/09/2026

Which unexpected skill have you developed because of your sight loss?

Living with sight loss often means learning to approach familiar things differently. Along the way, many people develop skills they never expected to have.

Perhaps you can recognise someone by their footsteps, remember routes and room layouts in remarkable detail, notice tiny changes in sound, master accessibility technology or find creative solutions to everyday problems.

These adaptations can become so automatic that they no longer feel like skills, but they absolutely are.

What is yours? Let us know!

[Image description: A high-contrast graphic featuring a bright yellow background with bold black text, optimized for readability. The Partially Sighted Society logo sits in the top right corner. Centered between two horizontal black lines, the main text reads, 'Which unexpected skill have you developed because of your sight loss?' Below, the call to action states, 'Tell us in the comments.' ]

Last week, we held our annual Afternoon Tea at the Sight Centre.It was fantastic to welcome everyone for an afternoon of...
01/09/2026

Last week, we held our annual Afternoon Tea at the Sight Centre.

It was fantastic to welcome everyone for an afternoon of scones, sweet treats and good company, made even more special by our musical guest, bass-baritone opera singer Martin Lamb. Martin serenaded us with immense skill and talent, delivering a truly memorable performance.

A huge thank you to Martin, to everyone who joined us and to all those who helped make the afternoon such a success. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

Our August audio newsletter is here.At almost 78 minutes, this record bumper edition is packed with personal stories, pr...
26/08/2026

Our August audio newsletter is here.

At almost 78 minutes, this record bumper edition is packed with personal stories, practical advice, eye health information and news from The Partially Sighted Society.

This month, we explore accessible gardening, semaglutide and NAION, technology in the kitchen and the final part of our A to Z of Accessible Walks. We also look back at a 2018 BBC Radio 4 In Touch interview, examine how cataracts changed Claude Monet’s art, and hear Fiona Scott-Barrett’s candid reflections on living with Best’s disease.

There is even another accessible recipe to try at home.

Listen to the full August newsletter here: https://youtu.be/tDb7mQ7vaFA

Let us know which feature you found most interesting!

BACK TO SCHOOL, MADE ACCESSIBLEThis term, every pupil deserves equipment they can actually see. Our large-print rulers a...
21/08/2026

BACK TO SCHOOL, MADE ACCESSIBLE

This term, every pupil deserves equipment they can actually see. Our large-print rulers and protractors feature bold black markings on a high-contrast yellow background, far easier to see and use than conventional transparent equipment.

Ideal for pupils with sight loss, and useful for parents, teachers, QTVIs and schools preparing for September.

Shop our accessible school supplies in the UK: https://schoolzone.partsight.org.uk/school-resources/general-stationery

And now, during our US trial, shop in the United States: https://www.partsight.org.uk/shop/stationery

[Image description: Graphic reading “Back to School, Made Accessible”, featuring a bright yellow large-print ruler and two transparent set squares with bold black numbers and high-contrast measurement markings.]

We have some exciting news for our friends across the Atlantic.For a limited trial period, The Partially Sighted Society...
20/08/2026

We have some exciting news for our friends across the Atlantic.

For a limited trial period, The Partially Sighted Society is now shipping selected products to the United States.

People with sight loss, their families, teachers and support professionals across the US can now access a selection of our practical products designed to make everyday life more accessible.

This trial will help us assess the demand for our products overseas, with the hope of making US delivery permanent and expanding to wider international shipping in the future.

If you know someone in the United States who may benefit, please help us spread the word.

Browse our online shop at partsight.org.uk/shop

[Image description: Bright yellow promotional graphic titled “Hello, USA!” An open parcel shows yellow PSS items: T-shirt, lanyard and card holder, keyring, badge, large-print ruler and set square, with a small US flag. Text reads “PSS now ships to the United States” and “Limited trial”. PSS logo in the top-right.]

The kettle was on, the biscuits were out, and more people were still arriving!Our coffee mornings are a relaxed opportun...
20/08/2026

The kettle was on, the biscuits were out, and more people were still arriving!

Our coffee mornings are a relaxed opportunity for people affected by sight loss to meet others, enjoy a friendly chat and spend time in good company.

We meet at our Doncaster Sight Centre on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, from 10.30am to 12 noon. New faces are always welcome.

Today, Anita and Gary of The Partially Sighted Society are at York Racecourse for the Sky Bet Community Sweepstake draw!...
20/08/2026

Today, Anita and Gary of The Partially Sighted Society are at York Racecourse for the Sky Bet Community Sweepstake draw!

They're about to discover which horse will be running for PSS in Saturday’s Sky Bet Ebor, giving us the chance to win an incredible £20,000 to support blind and partially sighted people.

We’re delighted to be taking part alongside 21 other brilliant charities. Good luck to everyone involved!

How close are you to a full house?Many blind and partially sighted people will have encountered at least a few of these ...
20/08/2026

How close are you to a full house?

Many blind and partially sighted people will have encountered at least a few of these comments and situations. They are often well-intentioned, but can reveal just how misunderstood sight loss still is.

Which square have you encountered most often. Tell us in the comments, and tag someone who will recognise a few of these too.

[Image description: A square, high-contrast graphic with a bright yellow background. The circular black-and-yellow logo of The Partially Sighted Society appears in the upper-left corner, beside the title “Sight Loss Bingo”. Below is a three-by-three grid of white squares with thick black borders.

From left to right, the squares read: “But you don’t look blind”; “How many fingers am I holding up?”; “Have you tried stronger glasses?”; “You can use a smartphone?”; “Being grabbed without warning”; “Someone speaks to your companion instead”; “But you saw that!”; “My eyesight is terrible too”; and “You’re too young to have sight loss”.

Along the bottom, bold black text asks: “How close are you to a full house?”]

Grab a bargain while you can!All clothes in our charity shop are half price until 31 August. With plenty of dresses, top...
19/08/2026

Grab a bargain while you can!

All clothes in our charity shop are half price until 31 August. With plenty of dresses, tops, jackets, trousers and more to explore, it is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe for less.

Every purchase helps us continue supporting people living with sight loss.

Visit us at 1 Bennetthorpe, Doncaster, DN2 6AA.

[Image description: Interior of the PSS charity shop in Doncaster, with long black shelving units filled with colourful second-hand clothing, shoes, bags and cushions. A large yellow panel with black text reads: “All clothes half price. Until 31 August.”]

SMART GLASSES CAN BE MORE THAN A GADGET.For some people with sight loss, they are a visual aid.Recent media coverage has...
19/08/2026

SMART GLASSES CAN BE MORE THAN A GADGET.
For some people with sight loss, they are a visual aid.

Recent media coverage has raised understandable concerns about privacy and the misuse of smart glasses to record people without their consent. Those concerns deserve to be taken seriously, but there is another side to this conversation.

For people who are blind or partially sighted, smart glasses can read text, identify objects, describe surroundings and provide valuable assistance with everyday tasks. They can offer greater confidence, independence and access to information.

Unfortunately, the growing suspicion surrounding smart glasses means that people using them because of a disability may feel judged, challenged or discouraged from using technology that genuinely helps them.

That is why The Partially Sighted Society is producing a new lanyard carrying the message:

“I HAVE SIGHT LOSS. I USE SMART GLASSES AS A VISUAL AID.”

It gives the wearer a simple way to explain their use of the glasses, without repeatedly having to justify themselves.

This is not about dismissing legitimate privacy concerns. It is about recognising the difference between misuse and assistive use, and helping people with sight loss take control of that conversation.

With greater understanding, we believe privacy and accessibility can both be respected.

We hope this lanyard will help prevent misunderstandings, encourage more positive conversations and give people with sight loss greater confidence to use the technology that supports their independence.

We would really value your thoughts. Could a lanyard like this make a difference to you or someone you know?

Available from our online shop: https://www.partsight.org.uk/smart-glasses-visual-aid-lanyard

[Image description: Yellow smart glasses visual aid lanyard stating: “I have sight loss. I use smart glasses as a visual aid.”]

Address

1 Bennetthorpe
Doncaster
DN26AA

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

01302 965195

Website

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