The Bladon Low Vision Centre

This is a name that you will hear about more and more now that the alterations to the Blind Centre have been completed. So why did we chose the name “Bladon Low Vision Centre”?

In the 1970’s and 1980’s we had a family of volunteers; Mr and Mrs Bladon and  their daughter who supported the Uttoxeter Social Club and Burton area for many years, during that time Miss Bladon became a Committee Member.  Sadly she died in 2006 but left us a legacy of over £330,000.  The Committee agreed to the title ‘Bladon Low Vision Centre’ as this would be an appropriate way to remember the family.  Coincidently, members of our User Group disliked the word ‘Blind’ and this seemed an opportune moment to use alternative wording.

To become a Low Vision Centre required major changes, converting the Centre to include the following:

Electronics room–magnifiers and cctv’s on display to try. (Click images for larger versions)

 T.V. room to demonstrate flat screen technology.

Counselling room–for times when people feel anxious.

Re-designed shop with everyday products for sale.

Training kitchen-to demonstrate ways of coping.

Re-designed computer room.

New smaller meeting room for coffee mornings etc.

Our staff will shortly be trained to teach people how to read by using a hand magnifier - it is called “eccentric viewing” this involves training people in holding a magnifier steady and moving the paper that you wish to read, also the importance of good lighting and a comfortable chair.  If a hand magnifier is not successful this is where the other equipment in the electronics room may be more useful.  The above project is a partnership between Staffordshire Blind and the RNIB West Midlands.