Sight loss charity launches £2m appeal to survive

A leading sight loss charity has launched a bid to raise £2 million by the end of March to prevent its closure.

On Wednesday, Vista, which offers lifelong support to people with sight loss in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, said "immediate action" was needed.

Charity bosses said it needed funds to help with "rising costs and increasing demand".

Tilly Dowler, from Castle Donington, who uses the service, said the charity's difficulties were "heartbreaking".

Vista, which supports thousands of people across the region, said its financial issues were "one of the most serious challenges in our history".

The charity's CEO, Beth Brook, said: "Like many charities, we are dealing with an uncertain economic environment alongside an increased need for our services.

"Without urgent financial support, we may not be able to continue delivering the services that thousands of local people rely on every day."

"We are doing everything we can to protect our service users, but we cannot do this alone.

"We urgently need our community to stand with us so that Vista can continue to be there for people with sight loss now and in the future."

Dowler was diagnosed with Stargardt disease - a degenerative condition that leads to progressive sight loss - at 15, and was registered blind in 2022.

She has been supported by the charity over the past four years.

"When I lost my sight, Vista was there for me," she said.

"Their support helped me stay independent and confident when everything felt overwhelming.

"It's heartbreaking that, without urgent donations, that support could disappear."

Vista has said, if its campaign does not raise enough funds to secure its future, donations would be redirected to a charity with similar aims and objectives.

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