Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue 44, our fortnightly publication sharing
news and information about events, activities, members’ experiences, and other items of interest.
Unless otherwise stated, all articles have been written by Fiona Musgrove.
Edited by George Sarcov and Paul Grierson.
To contribute to a future edition, please email: fiona@eyematter.org.uk
This edition includes:
Volunteer Opportunities
- Funding Application Volunteer needed.
Forthcoming Eye Matter Zoom events.
- Marvellous ME Monday continues with Confidence Coaching delivered by Vic Hogg Starting on the 13th of April at 6pm – A 5-week programme.
- Tranquil Tuesday Series continues Tuesday, 28th April at 7pm on Zoom, with yoga led by blind yoga instructor Cassie.
- Summer Choir Practice and an introduction to our pianist.
- Rebekah Few became our second successful counsellor to join Eye Matter’s new counselling project.
- Monthly Mindfulness starts from the 12th May.
- Living Well with Sight Loss Course starting 7th May 2026
- Cathartic Writing returns Friday, 22nd May at 12pm.
Eye Matter Outings
- Eye Matter Sports Day 2026
- Audio Described performance Avenue Q
- Eye Matter’s third PGL activity holiday
Special Features
- Annual membership of Eye Matter; 1st April 2026 – 31st March 2027
is now due. - The skullduggery and wonder at the Hunterian Museum
- MARVELLOUS Me Mondays Summary – Session 11
- Cutting Sight Village discounts may leave blind and partially sighted people vulnerable.
- Supporting Blind Ambition to shape opportunities.
- Microsoft Disability Helpline
- Eye Matter members climbed the O2 on Saturday, the 11th April.
Volunteer Opportunities
Funding Application Volunteer needed.
Role and Responsibilities:
• Supporting the fundraising team with funding applications.
• Researching and identifying suitable funding opportunities.
• Writing and preparing high-quality funding applications.
• Ensuring accuracy and clarity in all submissions.
What We’re Looking For:
• Experience in writing successful funding applications
• Excellent written English and grammar.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Reliable and able to meet deadlines.
Commitment:
Approximately 2-3 hours per week (flexible).
Location: Remote.
If you are interested, we would love to hear from you, so please email: info@eyematter.org.uk with the subject ‘Fundraising’.
Closing Date: 30th April 2026.
Forthcoming Eye Matter Zoom events can be viewed here.
Marvellous ME Monday continues with Confidence Coaching delivered by
Vic Hogg – Starting on the 13th April at 6pm – A 5-week programme.
What is confidence?
Why is it sometimes hard to find, where to find it and how to hold onto it?
Each session is stand-alone and builds on previous sessions.
Expect neuroscience explanations, useful advice, small discussion groups, audio samples from experts, an improv game or two and a warm atmosphere that will support your understanding of how confidence shows up for you and how you can tap into confidence more regularly. There’ll be elective sharing, practice time, and
a good laugh or two!
Some feedback from this session:
Well, my first zoom group and I have to say I got a lot out that. Definitely be back next week, thanks guys.
I really enjoyed the session today Monday 6pm. Coaching confidence with Victoria Hogg and was good to the breakout room too. Thank you.
Tranquil Tuesday series continues on Tuesday 28th April at 7pm on Zoom
– with yoga led by blind yoga instructor Cassie.
Cassie has been blind for about ten years and enjoys helping others.
“As a person who has experienced a lot of struggles navigating blindness, I know the importance of accessible environments and adaptive learning. I believe that everyone deserves a chance to learn, no matter what stage or phase they are experiencing in their life.”
As a blind yoga instructor, Cassie believes yoga is something you feel, not something you perform. “Through slow, restorative practices and clear, thoughtful verbal guidance, I help students tune into their bodies, their breath, and the quiet strength within themselves.”
Her classes focus on accessibility, deep listening, and meeting each person exactly where they are. She explains, “I hope my work reminds people that yoga isn’t about what a pose looks like — it’s about how it feels to be at home in your own body. My classes are meant to feel like a quiet pause in a busy world — a place where people can breathe, soften, and remember that yoga truly belongs to everybody.”
Summer choir practice and an introduction to our pianist.
Our Summer Choir practice starts on Wednesday, 29th April at 6pm, live on Zoom. These 12-week sessions culminate in our Summertime concert in July. There
is no obligation to attend the final performance or to have any prior experience.
It’s a fun social opportunity to enjoy with your Eye Matter friends. Each session
is led by visually impaired Rachel, who will guide singers through repetition and fun each week.
This year, we are excited to have Thuy as our pianist, who will be accompanying our choir through an eclectic range of music. Thuy recently performed at an Eye Matter concert on Tuesday, 24th March. Along with performing a range of both classical and pop music, he talked openly about his life story and the importance of music.
Thuy is interested in music production, a skill which he developed whilst at university. Thuy is a master pianist, adding, “I’m most comfortable on piano, but I really enjoy playing guitar too.”
About his personal music choices, Thuy said, I like jazz, pop, soul, neo soul, and classical music.” As for his musical influences, “I like jazz pianists such as Chick Corea and Bill Evans. I like singers like James Ingram and Lionel Richie.” If you are interested and would like to receive the songs, please email us.
Rebekah Few became our second successful counsellor to join Eye Matter’s new counselling project.
Drawing from a range of approaches, including person-centred, psychodynamic, and solution-focused techniques, tailoring her work to suit each individual. She is passionate about the transformative potential of therapy and believes in creating a space where people feel truly heard, understood, and supported.
Although Rebekah has worked in various guises within mental health for 20 years, “often supporting individuals who are going through a big change in their world”,
it was her personal experience of sight-loss which attracted her to this project.
She explains, “My father has an illness known as myasthenia gravis, which affected his eyes and caused him to become visually impaired. This huge shift in his identity is something I supported him with as a young carer, including the impact it had on his mental health and wellbeing.”
About providing access to this specialised role, she said, “Having specialised support for those dealing with sight loss feels essential given that sight loss is a unique experience, alongside the fact that there is an increasingly strong evidence base that having a community to share your experience with can have a hugely positive impact on wellbeing.
Rebekah is currently retraining as an integrative therapist to better support her current clients and was forwarded this unique opportunity from her supervisors. She is excited to work within Eye Matter’s new counselling project, “as a place where
I can bring my professional and lived experience to make a difference to those going through a potentially huge transition in their life.”
This project is conducted on Zoom at a mutually agreed time. If you would like to register your interest to receive counselling, please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject ‘Counselling’.
A small charge will be asked for each session. This will be £10 per session or £7.50 if you are on a means-tested benefit.
Monthly Mindfulness starts from the 12th May.
Following the success our weekly Mindfulness Sessions with Laura Brodie (as part of our Marvellous ME Monday programme), kindly supported by the National Lottery, we are offering a further series of monthly sessions:
12th May, 9th June, 14th July, 4th August
No need to book, just join in the fun with your Eye Matter friends. These sessions will complement and encourage further exploration, following our first series of Mindfulness within our Marvellous Me Monday series.
Living Well with Sight Loss Course starting 7th May 2026
(in partnership with RNIB).
Boost your confidence and get practical advice, information, and resources in this
6-week course, meeting every Thursday at 11am for 2 hours.
Transport for London Accessibility speaker, low vision advice, understanding welfare rights, sports and leisure, learn about rehabilitation and ECLOs, mental health
well-being session and resource centre with everyday gadgets.
Our free and informal Zoom-based Living Well with Sight Loss course is an ideal way to help you adjust to your sight condition, increase your independence, and grow your confidence.
Through our sessions, you will find out about practical solutions and support that can help you adjust to life with sight loss. You will also have the chance to learn from each other’s first-hand experiences and share your top tips.
For more information and to book your place, please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject ‘living well’.
Cathartic Writing returns Friday, 22nd May at 12pm.
Back by popular demand. Cathartic writing dates for your diary:
Friday 22nd May and Friday 19th June. All start at 11am on Zoom with a fun and friendly social.
Eye Matter Outings:
Find all of our events here.
Eye Matter Sports Day 2026
Where: Islington Tennis Centre and Gym, London N7 9PL
When: 10am – 4pm on Saturday, 20 June 2026
Meet and greet: 9:30am at Caledonian Road (Piccadilly line within easy reach of King’s Cross St. Pancras)
Cost: £10 for Eye Matter members,
£12 non-member price.
In collaboration with
Illuminate Freedom Health and Well-Being, enjoy trying fully accessible sports with the support of friendly, expert coaches.
Have a go at:
Showdown, VI football, VI tennis, VI baseball and even VI touch rugby.
This is for everyone, so come and swing your bats, swoosh your paddles and kick and dribble with your accessible balls as you try five amazing inclusive sports designed for visually impaired (VI) people!
For more information, click here.
Book your tickets by emailing suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject ‘Sports Day’.
Audio described performance of Avenue Q
Tuesday 23rd June 7:30pm
At Shaftsbury Theatre
Touch tour TBC.
Tickets are £42.50 per person.
Avenue Q is back on the block.
For its 20th anniversary, the three-time Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q returns to the West End in all its glory.
Fresh out of college and searching for his purpose, Princeton ends up in a shabby apartment on New York’s rundown Avenue Q. He quickly meets his new and colourful neighbours, where together they navigate the life struggles of work, love and paying the bills in their own hilarious way.
Irreverent and irresistible, Avenue Q is the mischievous and charming musical full of infectious songs and lovable characters that will leave you smiling for days.
With original Broadway director Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect, Shrek the Musical) and original puppet designer Rick Lyon, rediscover the fun, fuzz and felt for a strictly limited season.
Content warning: Avenue Q contains strong language and adult themes and content. Parental guidance is advised.
To buy your ticket, email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘Q’
Eye Matter’s third annual UK holiday to PGL Activity Centre
When: Friday 28th August 2026 – Monday 31st August 2026
Where: PGL Holidays, Windmill Hill, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 4RZ.
Getting there: Eye Matter’s chartered transport will take and return guests from London King’s Cross to PGL Windmill Hill.
Cost: £415 per guest. This includes: three nights’ accommodation in twin ensuite rooms; all meals from arrival on Friday lunch until our departure after lunch on Monday; all equipment, all activities supported by PGL instructors, as well as evening entertainment. Guests are welcome to bring extra treats and snacks.
A £75 non-refundable deposit is required for each guest by the 30th April 2026.
The remaining balance is payable by 19th June 2026.
Eye Matter is delighted to announce our third UK holiday for our members, their families, friends, and our sighted guides. We will be going to the hugely popular PGL Activity Centre, which is located in 21 acres of glorious countryside on the Sussex Downs.
Our three-night multi-activity holiday will offer everyone the opportunity to try exciting, accessible pursuits including Archery, Axe Throwing, Canoeing, Fencing, Abseiling, Aeroball, Rifle Shooting, Climbing, Disc Golf, Buggy Building, Giant Swing and Problem Solving. Our evenings will also have activities, including games, quizzes, and a pool party.
All over-18s must have a valid Enhanced DBS check to stay at PGL Windmill Hill. This is included in the price. Don’t miss out on this always wonderful experience! To secure your place, please email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject ‘PGL holiday’.
Special Features:
Annual membership of Eye Matter 1st April 2026 – 31st March 2027 is now due.
£15 covers access to a range of online activities, up-to-date information, receiving our newsletter and an excellent guide to our events.
Don’t delay, ensure your membership is up to date with your friends at Eye Matter to be part of this fabulous community.
To ensure your continued membership, please click this JustGiving link to pay your membership fee, ticking the Gift Aid option if applicable.
Alternatively, please pay by bank transfer:
Name: Eye Matter
Sort Code: 20-92-63
Account number 83521087
Business bank account.
Please always remember to tell us it’s you by emailing suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the reference you’ve used. Thank you for your continued support.
The skullduggery and wonder at the Hunterian Museum.
By Fiona Musgrove with contributions from Eye Matter member Rikki.
On Thursday, 12th March, Eye Matter led members to the newly refurbished Hunterian Museum, near Holborn, London. Rikki said, “We were greeted by the museum’s director, Dawn Kemp, before we introduced ourselves. She described
the two large sculptures in the entrance hallway. The first was of John Hunter
and the second was of the McLoughlin’s, who donated a large amount of money
to the college.” The couples’ statue was designed by the sculptor Sir Alfred Gilbert (1801-1885), who also created The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, officially and popularly known as Eros, a fountain surmounted by a winged statue of Anteros, at the south-east side of Piccadilly Circus. An interesting fact emerged of an illicit affair between the artist and the wife, and his creation of a secret compartment placed in her immortalised head where he intended to place his ashes. However, this never seemed to happen, and only the couples’ ashes were interred within the sculpture looming over Eye Matter.
In 1799, the government purchased the collection of the Scottish surgeon John Hunter, which they presented to the Royal Surgeons College. Originally compromising of over 14,000 specimens. Which was halved thanks to a direct hit from a German bomb in 1944.
Moving into another room, Dawn described the contents of a very large glass-covered cabinet to us in detail. Rikki said this about the tour, “This was Dawn Kemp’s first audio-described tour, and we all agreed that she did excellently. She was willing and able to answer all of our questions throughout the tour.”
Rikki felt uncomfortable when “Dawn explained to us that John Hunter made no attempt to seek the consent of those people whose body parts are on display in the museum.” Describing how Hunter had deceitfully obtained the body of the Irish Giant, Charles Byrne, despite the large man’s express wish to be buried at sea to avoid being part of the museum’s collection. Please click here for the full article:
MARVELLOUS Me Mondays Summary
The fabulous Laura Brodie has just delivered the last of this series, ‘Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence – Noticing What Moves Us’
Eye Matter explored how mindfulness helps us notice what is already here and how appreciation allows us to feel more connected to those moments. Remembering mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with openness and without judgment. It helps us step out of autopilot and become more aware of our experience.
Introducing positive psychology, which is the scientific study of what helps people thrive, focusing on strengths, wellbeing, and what is working well in our lives, rather than only what is wrong. This concept considers our inner strengths. What flourishes to form a layer rather than a fix? Commonly regarded as mini moments. To have the ability to notice value or the effort of human goodness ultimately leads from recognition to making good connections or relationships.
About the final session of this eleven-week programme, one member said, “It has been an eye-opener.” Another added how much they had “enjoyed the weekly sessions and would miss the Monday meetings.”
Please click this link to read the full article.
Laura returns within our monthly Tranquil Tuesday programme (May) before delivering another 11-week series in September. You will soon be able to replay this whole series, Laura’s reflections and the suggested meditations accompanying each session, through our website.
Cutting Sight Village discounts may leave blind and partially sighted people vulnerable.
Concerns are being raised about the effect of Sight and Sound reducing discounted updates at Sight Village 2026, as they push towards an annual subscription for JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion users.
A source at Sight and Sound Limited, created over thirty years ago to provide assistive technology for blind and partially sighted people, confirmed these changes had been brought-in from August 2025. They explained that there would be a limited 10% discount available at this year’s Sight Villages from their stall. However, these patches would only be available to licences dated from 2023.
Currently, there is still an option to purchase a JAWS Home Perpetual Licence with a Software Maintenance Agreement (SMA) for £990.
However, Sight and Sound Limited encourages people to take part in the various subscription plans available at an annual cost of £420 (excluding VAT).
Eye Matter member Daniel Warrington, who brought this to our attention, expressed his concern, “after purchasing my JAWS package in 2019, I have always been able to take advantage of ensuring my online experience is protected by purchasing an exclusive 50% discounted security update patch, for JAWS, from the Sight and Sound stall, at the London Sight Village exhibition.”
Since losing his sight over 10 years ago, JAWS has been Daniel’s only way to access the internet safely. Like many long-term users of Sight and Sound products, Daniel is very concerned about the permanent push towards an annual subscription. Calculating Daniel’s timeline of using JAWS since 2019 at the purchase cost of £990, against the annual subscription fee of £420, he would have paid £2940 (excluding VAT) from 2019 to 2026. Even with the inclusion of providing support and updates of security patches, is this cost really justified?
Another woman who uses JAWS to look for work was worried that this annual commitment may be jeopardised by the prohibitive cost of living or changes in
her benefits.
Life for Sight and Sound Limited began with maintaining mainframe computers, long before home computers, which led to the development of assistive technology.
Today, they have over 30,000 registered clients across the UK and Ireland.
They offer a specialised range of equipment, provide work or education assessments and access to a wide variety of support platforms.
Please click here to read more.
Daniel is enjoying taking part in a JAWS online training session with the RNIB. This allows trainers to use JAWS Tandem to support clients. Other charities, such as London-based Blind Aid, provide classes using the free assistive technology NVDA in King’s Cross.
He is extremely disappointed with the poor implementation of Microsoft’s assistive software called ‘Narrator’, compared to the accessibility options available on all Apple products. External packages such as JAWS are prone to requiring regular updates to ensure online security and that they can cope with handling constantly evolving software changes and updates. Like many other screen reader users, the impact of not being able to access these patches for packages purchased before 2023 will be equally disappointing.
Apple has responded to concerns about its hardware costs by producing a low-budget MacBook called the MacBook Neo.
You can read a personal review of it here
And the Daily Mail’s take on it here
Eye Matter’s iPhone peer support programme has supported around 40 members.
Please click here to read more about the fantastic work carried out by our volunteer iPhone Trainer, Cheru.
Shahid completed his training in 2025. He said, “I am very pleased with Alan. He has been an amazing trainer, and I have gained a lot of confidence with my iPhone.”
Having access to technology and ensuring blind and partially sighted people continue to receive the right support when online must be a priority for all technology providers. Whether shopping online, socialising or looking for work, assistive technology is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
Supporting Blind Ambition to shape opportunities.
Please click here for an overview of the services, communities and support opportunities offered by Blind Ambition. It is designed to help blind and partially sighted people, as well as allies and professionals, understand the range of practical, social, and professional support available and how to access it. Blind Ambition’s services are shaped by lived experience and focus on empowerment, connection, inclusion, and opportunity.
Please click on the link below to complete the survey:
Microsoft Disability Helpline
Thanks to Daniel Warrington for providing this helpful number:
0800 026 0584
Eye Matter members have climbed the O2 (the 9th largest building in the world), for a second time in two years on Saturday, 11th of April 2026
Please support your amazing Eye Matter friends.
Nothing stops Eye Matter as once again, they tackle the O2 to pose triumphantly on its roof. Ascending 52 metres up, and over 200 metres across, Eye Matter conquered the world’s ninth-largest building (by volume) on a rather overcast Saturday morning (11 April 2026). Read the full report here
Thanks to everyone who has already raised an incredible amount of money for people who are going through the trauma of sight loss.
Please continue to show your appreciation towards this tiny, but mighty charity making such an enormous difference across the UK by making a donation at this link