Thank you
Thanks to your support, we can Save Sight. Change Lives.
Thanks to donations from supporters such as you, we're funding scientific breakthroughs and social change that will Save Sight. Change Lives. We've curated a snapshot of some of the most promising work we've funded to showcase the difference we're making, together.
"We may be able to intervene at an earlier stage and save sight."
Go behind the scenes
Meet Cornelius McGrath, who lives with an inherited eye condition.
We also go behind the scenes at Professor Marcela Votruba's Cardiff-based lab, where we're funding innovative scientific research into rare inherited eye conditions. They're growing retinal ganglion cells and developing cutting-edge treatments that could one day Save Sight.
"Take your time, welcome support, try to remain positive. Research gives hope and helps us keep moving forward."
As a researcher, grant holder, panel member and now advisor, I’ve watched early-stage science—funded boldly and ahead of the curve—grow into big breakthroughs. That is the power of Fight for Sight.
-
- £63k: marathon effort
- In the London Marathon, 29 runners raised £63,145, enough to fund three grassroots organisations through our Capacity Building Fund.
-
- £85k: family funds
- Equivalent to funding almost six Small Research Grants for up to one year.
Small Grants, Big Impact
Fight for Sight's small grant awards enable scientists to test their ideas and generate pilot data.
“In 2010, I received the Hans and Mrs Gertrude Hirsch award from Fight for Sight. That funding led to clinical trials in children and adults with the condition,”
-
- £1.71 million in legacies
- 61 gifts in wills worth £1.71 million: These incredible and thoughtful pledges ensure help for generations to come.
-
- 52 supporters
- gave an annual gift between £500-£999, helping to accelerate scientific discoveries through their commitment as Fight for Sight Accelerators.
Collaboration in research
In 2025, we brought early career researchers together for our first ECR Network event – creating vital connections that can shape a researcher’s entire journey.
"There are always more excellent and potentially transformational projects than we’re able to fund. With your continued support, we can accelerate breakthroughs and transform lives."
-
- £162k: Gift Aid
- We could fund 11 small grants with this amount. Every tick of the box makes a difference!
-
- 22k volunteer hours
- Equivalent to 12 full-time staff working for a year.
Reaching the 2 million people in the UK, living with vision loss
In 2025, we awarded capacity-building grants to 13 organisations. Each one is a lifeline in their communities, trusted by people navigating vision loss. They offer practical help, emotional support, and ways to stay connected and independent.
Learn more about the 13 organisations
One of the organisations you helped us back through our Capacity Building grant has now gained international recognition — and strengthened its long-term sustainability.
Sound Without Sight won the Social & Culture category at the International Sound Awards 2025. Often described as “the Oscars of Sound”, these awards celebrate projects that reshape how the world listens.
Tackling loneliness for people who are blind and vision impaired
People told us, clearly and courageously, what loneliness feels like when they are blind or vision impaired.
In our study, 76% of respondents said they felt lonely “some or all of the time.” The data is stark — and the stories behind it are even more powerful.
These insights strengthened our resolve, and shaped a bold, needs-led funding round focused on tackling loneliness and isolation.
Since publishing Outside, we’ve granted £450,000 across 17 projects to reduce loneliness and isolation. Together, we’re supporting solutions grounded in real experience.
“We knew people were being shut out of natural spaces, so we built a programme shaped by their experiences. Every walk is led by the group. With time, confidence has grown.”
-
- 2.9k Fight for Sight Champions
- Supporters choosing to make a regular monthly donation - a vital steady lifeline.
-
- £1.36 million
- from trusts and foundations, fuelling innovation and sustainability in the vital social projects and scientific research we fund.
Sporting Chances
Rory Field, CEO of Metro Blind Sport has combined a passion for sport with helping to unlock confidence and independence for himself and others.
“We have an amazing partnership with Fight for Sight. It’s not just changing people’s levels of fitness, it’s making it more likely they will go out and get education or employment, which is so inspiring.”
-
- 44k donated items
- Each bag donated is worth approximately £35. That’s the equivalent of £1.55m to Save Sight. Change Lives.
-
- £141k raised
- From 5,070 donations to appeals, enough to fund a full PhD studentship for up to 4 years.
Funding social change and scientific research
Our funding helps to create a world where everyone has the same opportunities, regardless of vision loss. We’re funding research that helps us to better understand, diagnose, prevent and treat vision loss.
-
- £3.1m
- Total grants awarded for research
-
- £707k
- Total grants awarded for social change
- Research into inherited conditions
- Small Grants, Big Impact
- Connecting vision researchers
- Driving social change
-
Research into inherited conditions
-
Small Grants, Big Impact
-
Connecting vision researchers
-
Driving social change
- Research into inherited conditions
- Small Grants, Big Impact
- Connecting vision researchers
- Driving social change