Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue 40, 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. To contribute to a future edition, please email: fiona.musgrove@yahoo.co.uk.
This edition includes:
Forthcoming Eye Matter Zoom events
- Eye Matter launches one-to-one counselling in February
- Introducing our first trainee counsellor
- New nine-week course for 2026: “Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing” led by Laura Brodie from “Adventures in albinism”
Eye Matter Outings
- Join our confidence building drama improv workshop
- A private Audio Described tour of The Hunterian Museum
- In-person “Turning Surviving into Thriving” group Grief workshop with Joanna Williams
- The London Museum
- Be daring and do the “Skywalk”
Eye Matter’s volunteering opportunities
- iPhone Voiceover trainers
- Members Outreach Programme
Special Features
- £5 covers your membership until 31st March 2026
- The success of our first assertiveness training session
- The magic of Sleeping Beauty.
- A new NHS online hospital is being launched
- councils to get powers to tackle pavement parking
- Eye Matter supports VocalEyes’ feedback appeal
Forthcoming Eye Matter Zoom events
In February, Eye Matter will be launching our first one-to-one counselling programme led by visually impaired people for visually impaired people.
Nick French who formerly worked for Action for the Blind, has been engaged as a Volunteer Manager to oversee the project. He said of the opportunity, “I have known and worked with Suzie Simons for about 15 years and was delighted when she asked me if I would like to manage a counselling project that Eye Matter was developing. I have watched Eye Matter grow into the fantastic organisation that it has become and am really looking forward to working with the team and to be managing such an important and much needed service.”
Nick explained the importance of engaging visually impaired people within all levels of this project, “I feel that nobody understands sight loss and the difficulties associated with it more than visually impaired people themselves. Losing some or all of one’s vision is life changing in so many ways and I feel that it is crucial that, if you have lost vision, you get support and understanding from others who have been or are going through the same journey.”
Introducing our first trainee counsellor Paula Yianni
“Hi, my name is Paula. I’m a person-centred counsellor who offers a calm, safe space where people can talk openly and feel heard. My approach is gentle, down-to-earth, and rooted in the belief that everyone has the capacity to make sense of their experiences when they’re met with empathy and respect.
I have experience of sight loss, which deeply informs my understanding of the emotional and practical challenges involved.
I believe in creating a warm, welcoming environment where every individual feels safe to explore their thoughts and feelings at their own pace. My style is collaborative and authentic, valuing the unique story each person brings.
I’m passionate about accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that counselling is a space where barriers are minimised and everyone’s needs are honoured.”
An additional trainee counsellor will be starting later in the year, and we will introduce her in a future edition.
Counselling sessions will take place on Zoom at a mutually agreed time. To register your interest, please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject “Counselling”. Sessions will cost: £10 or £7, for anyone on a means-tested benefit.
Please click here for the full article.
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing with Laura Brodie from “Adventures in Albinism”.
Monday 19th January to Monday 16th March 2026 at 6pm via Zoom. (This is a drop-in session, there is no need to book).
This nine-week course offers a structured, experiential introduction to mindfulness, emotional awareness, and psychological wellbeing, grounded in evidence-based
mindfulness practice and positive psychology.
Introducing Laura Brodie, a life-long learner in the world of mindfulness and education. She is the Founder of “Adventures in Albinism” and the creator of “The Teacher’s Compass”. Laura helps individuals with albinism and low vision as well as parents and teachers in the albinism community move from overwhelm and uncertainty to clarity, confidence, and calm by using simple, evidence-based mindfulness tools that nurture emotional well-being and connection.
In these weekly one-hour sessions, participants will explore how to cultivate greater presence, self-awareness, and emotional balance in everyday life. The course combines guided mindfulness practices, gentle reflection, and practical tools that can be integrated into daily routines, regardless of prior experience with mindfulness.
Each session builds progressively, beginning with attention to the breath and the body, and gradually expanding to include sensory awareness, emotional regulation, self-compassion, stress management, and conscious relating. Participants will be invited to explore how automatic reactions arise, how to create space between stimulus and response, and how to relate more kindly and consciously to both themselves and others.
On 19th January, 25 members Zoomed into our first ever mindfulness session with Laura. After encouraging everyone to consciously pause Laura discussed with the group what the course was and what it was not: “It’s a practical space to work with lived experience, not theory, self-help, or toxic positivity.” Laura told us, “I was moved by the appreciation of everyone. I felt really comfortable with everything and engaged by the energy on the call.”
Rosie said, “I have practised yoga for years on a daily basis but since my eyes have become so bad with glaucoma, I have not done it. I am pleased to do this course to get back into some mindfulness again. This session was very helpful and reminded me that it’s a good idea to do the breathing exercise every day.”
The different reactions from this shared experience enhanced how we can all continue to practise mindfulness in different moments of our own lives.
About the group’s dynamics Laura said, “I genuinely felt the interest, openness, and appreciation of the group. It’s inspiring to see people who are navigating additional challenges have access to these skills. I feel honoured to support and guide this process of discovering how practical and beneficial mindfulness can be. Thank you, Eye Matter, for opening the door to this experience.”
This programme will continue for the next seven Mondays exploring the mind-body connection, acceptance, self-compassion and emotional regulation, to name a few. For the full article please click here.
Eye Matter Outings
Find all of our events here
Confidence building drama improv workshop with Eye Matter on Sunday 15th February
Led by Steven George (AKA Steve Reed) This workshop will demonstrate Steve’s wide experience of sight loss within the arts and education sector.
This will be a wonderful opportunity to again join together to have fun, develop a new understanding of our sight loss and become more confident. Steve will guide us through various drama games and activities, so come and have a giggle with Eye Matter.
When: Sunday 15th February
Meet and Greet: 10:40am at St Pancras Station, by Midland Road exit at the Thameslink barriers.
£5 voluntary donation
For more information and to book your place, please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject ‘confidence’
Eye Matter is delighted to be working with the Hunterian Museum for their first private audio described tour
Thursday 12th March 2026
Meet and Greet at Holborn Station at 10am
The Hunterian Museum, named after the 18th century surgeon and anatomist John Hunter, (1728-1793), includes the display of over 2,000 anatomical preparations from Hunter’s original collection, alongside instruments, equipment, models, paintings and archive material, which trace the history of surgery from ancient times to the latest robot-assisted operations. The Museum includes England’s largest public display of human anatomy
Visit the Hunterian Museum and through an audio-described tour find out about the life and work of the 18th-century surgeon and anatomist John Hunter, who the museum is named after. The tour will focus on 8-10 objects which show different aspects of Hunter’s quest to understand the life force of all living things, from the smallest plants to the largest creatures on earth.
After the tour there will be a relaxed Q&A with Dawn Kemp, the Hunterian Museum Director, and an informal object handling session.
This will be followed by lunch at the lovely cafe or you oh welcome to bring a picnic.
Timings:
Arrive: 10.30am
Tour starts: 10.45am
Tour length: 45mins
Q&A: 30mins
Please note, The Hunterian Museum contains human remains, including fetuses. Viewing human remains can evoke powerful emotions which some visitors can understandably find difficult.
Eye Matter Group Grief workshop With Joanna Williams
on Sunday 22nd March 2026
At Somerstown Living Centre, Kings Cross, London
2pm-5pm with refreshments
Meet and Greet: 1:30pm, St Pancras Station, by the Midland Road exit, at the Thameslink barriers.
Grieving the life you expected
All of us have expectations about life and the world around us. Some are societal, some we learn from friends and family, some we figure out for ourselves. The experience of sight loss is what we call a ‘non-finite loss’ in that it may occur as one event, but the repercussions are ongoing – and may interrupt or derail what we thought our life would be. Even if you are sight impaired from birth, you still might have absorbed ideas about a so-called ideal life and experience grief about those aspects you don’t have and fear for what the future holds.
In this special in-person workshop, there will be the chance to share experiences with your peers and, crucially, learn ways of reworking your expectations and letting go of fear.
The London Museum
Our first collaboration, Held in the Hand: Everyday Objects, Everyday Lives
Wednesday 25th March 2026
Meet and greet at 10:40am at Farringdon Station, Long Lane (Barbican) exit.
Please bring a picnic.
Eye Matter asks for a £5 voluntary donation.
We will be using object handling to explore storytelling please bring a small object from home that holds a special meaning for you, as part of the icebreaker exercise.
There are only 12 places available on this tour, on a “first come, first served” basis.
‘Dare you’ – a sponsored Dare Skywalk
Saturday 11th April 2026
Please note there will be 100 stairs to climb before the event.
Price: £20 per person
Sessions start at 11:15am
Meet and greet at 10:45am at White Hart Lane Overground Station
Take to the skies at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a breath-taking adventure as you climb skywards over the stadium bowl below as you test your nerves 46.8 metres above the pitch! An exciting activity to do with your Eye Matter family, enjoy bonding and cheering each other on as you strive to reach the top. And once you get there, that’s when the celebrations begin. Experience breath-taking views or enjoy sounds of the iconic London skyline and the pitch below.
Please bring a picnic (no nuts). To book your ticket email suzie@eyematter.org.ukwith subject: “DARE YOU”
Once you have signed up, you will receive the JustGiving link for sponsorship.
Eye Matter’s volunteering opportunities
• Eye Matter encourages peer support amongst its members.
• No experience is necessary
• Provides work experience within a safe, supportive environment.
• All work takes place via Zoom or by phone. • You will learn to work both independently and as part of a team.
• These roles are for anyone who wants to support others or upskill for future
employment opportunities
• Training is provided
To be able to continue running voiceover training for our members, Eye Matter is desperately seeking confident iPhone and Android users interested in sharing their skills with other visually impaired Eye Matter members.
We are excited to introduce our Volunteer VoiceOver Training Manager, Charu Bansal, who will facilitate a short training program designed to enhance your teaching abilities. Please click here to read more about Charu and this fantastic opportunity to support your peers:
For testimonials, please click here.
Members Outreach Programme
Would you like to join us in an exciting new volunteering opportunity to engage in our community callout programme?
Eye Matter has a member outreach programme with volunteer opportunities, coordinated by our wonderful volunteer liaison manager, Irena Valchera. We are seeking volunteers to assist Irena in reaching out to our membership to see how they are, confirm their continued interest in membership, to ensure they are able to access our Zoom sessions and to ask whether they have any suggestions for future Eye Matter events or opportunities.
If you would like to support Eye Matter, even committing to making one call per week will make a difference. If you are able to contribute more time, that would be great too. Volunteers will receive basic training for this role.
To join our member outreach team, please email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject “Outreach Volunteer”.
Special Features
Membership
£5 per person covers your membership from 1st January to 31st March 2026. £15 will then be payable to cover your membership from 1st April 2026 until 31st March 2027.
2025 has been an exciting year for Eye Matter. We are delighted that our membership has grown to 480 of you lovely people, with many of you regularly enjoying our range of online and in-person events.
To ensure your continued membership, please click the following JustGiving link to pay your membership fee ticking the gift aid option if applicable.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/eyemattermembershipfee
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 success of our first assertiveness training workshop
On Tuesday evening (7th January 2026) over 20 members joined Terry James for a thought-provoking session around the identification of assertiveness and how sometimes Extrovert behaviour (often perceived as assertiveness) masks personal insecurities. Terry explained, “Assertiveness is having the confidence to make your own opinions or choices and not feeling coerced or bullied into reaching a decision.”
The group acknowledged having a visual impairment often means choices are made for us and not by us. Rosie said, “I really enjoyed terry’s talk today, reminding us to be assertive and polite when we refuse, accept, or change our minds!”
Learning not to dominate a situation, having the ability to be able to say no and building confidence are skills developed over time. Terry endorsed the importance of groups like Eye Matter who provide peer support and space to share opinions. Rachel told us, “An excellent presentation and discussion about assertiveness from Terri this evening. Thank you, Eye Matter learning, living, laughing and sharing together.”
Time was allocated, at the end of her presentation, for members to ask questions or share their experiences. Due to the interest generated from this meeting we hope to invite Terry back for another workshop later this year.
The magic of Sleeping Beauty
VocalEyes told us 39 audio headsets had been issued to the VIP audience for the audio described performance of Sleeping Beauty, at the London Palladium on Thursday 8th January 2026.
Rachel exclaimed, “Sleeping Beauty at the London Palladium last night was hilarious, outrageous, brilliant and bonkers. Thank you everyone, especially Suzie, Naomi and the sighted guides for making it all possible for about 40 of us to have such a wonderful evening, enjoy the terrific Touch tour, even getting to meet Catherine Tate👏 I feel very lucky to be a part of Eye Matter.”
Eye Matter joined over one million people who have enjoyed the London Palladium’s annual panto now celebrating its tenth year. Starring Catherine Tate, Palladium pantomime royalty Julian Clary and impressionist Jon Culshaw, Sleeping Beauty also saw the return of Palladium panto favourites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Rob Madge along with West End stars Emily Lane and Amonik Melaco.
Graham and Rosalind said, “This was our first Eye Matter event and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It was wonderful to go onto the stage and see some of the amazing props close up. It was Graham’s first experience of audio description within a theatre, and he found it extremely helpful. Everyone was very friendly. It was a wonderful show and a thoroughly enjoyable evening.”
Please click here for our video and appreciation to everyone who helped make our dreams come true!
A new NHS online hospital service is being launched in England next year, focusing on nine health conditions, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
The RNIB highlighted the importance of a swift referral for support once sight-loss has been diagnosed and improvements needed in the early detection in certain conditions. for the full article and responses, read here.
For more information about this on-line hospital read here.
Five years after a public consultation the Government has announced plans to give local councils stronger powers to tackle pavement parking in England
For years sight-loss campaigners and organisations have highlighted that, “Reckless pavement parking forces blind and partially sighted people into the road and potentially into the path of moving vehicles.
By putting decision-making closer to communities, the approach supports safer, more inclusive streets that work better for everyone. This forms part of the government’s Plan for Change.
You can read about the plans on the Government website.
Eye Matter supports VocalEyes feedback appeal
Eye Matter is proud to work alongside VocalEyes to open access to theatres, exhibitions and museums. Now VocalEyes would like to hear from you, “We’d love to hear your thoughts. Please tell us what you enjoyed or what could be improved by completing our feedback forms related to your visits to theatres, Museums, galleries and Heritage exhibitions.”