A CHARITY set up to help Cornish miners who had lost their sight due to work accidents is celebrating its 165th anniversary this week.

Today, iSightCornwall supports people of all ages and backgrounds with visual impairments across the county.

It offers a wide range of services including low vision appointments and advice; help with assistive technology such as electronic magnifiers and specialist computer software; benefits advice and help; social and activity clubs across the county and more.

During the pandemic, the organisation supported the many blind and visually impaired people in Cornwall who were left feeling isolated and cut off from the services they rely on through a telephone befriending service – and won an award for a scheme helping people to access low vision aids and advice when face-to-face contact was impossible.

iSightCornwall is Cornwall’s oldest charity. Local residents may remember the charity being called the Cornwall Blind Association, or even the Cornwall County Association for the Blind, but in 2015 the organisation rebranded to iSightCornwall to be more inclusive to people of all stages of sight loss.

To celebrate its milestone anniversary the charity is inviting schools, businesses, youth groups and Cornish residents to wear something bright tomorrow (Friday September 17)

iSightCornwall Chief Executive, Carole Theobold explained: “Bright colours are particularly important for people with limited sight as they are easier to be seen. We are asking people across Cornwall to show their support by being bright for sight whether they’re working from home, in an office, at a school or out and about in the community.”

To take part in the Bright for Sight day, simply wear your brightest outfit, accessories or hairstyle and then share photos on the charity’s social media or by emailing [email protected]. Any donations collected during the day will be gratefully received and will help fund iSightCornwall’s vital services.

For more information on how to donate or take part, visit www.isightcornwall.org.uk or call 01872 261110.