Technology is transforming what's possible for blind and vision-impaired people but according to Sir Robin Miller, who has retinitis pigmentosa, the biggest barrier isn't technology at all. It's people's expectations.
Speaking at Vis-Ability 2026, Sir Robin, shared why he believes innovation, alongside changing attitudes, is key to creating a more inclusive future.
Technology is opening new doors
Technology has shaped Sir Robin's own journey. Learning computing and programming early in his career gave him opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach.
Now, he believes artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to be just as transformative.
From summarising lengthy documents to making complex visual information more accessible, AI is helping remove typical barriers that blind and vision-impaired people face at work and in life.
"It's not that blind people can't do these jobs," says Sir Robin. "It's that technology can remove unnecessary obstacles and make them more accessible."
"It's not that blind people can't do these jobs. It's that technology can remove unnecessary obstacles and make them more accessible."
The challenge we still need to overcome
Despite the rapid pace of innovation, Sir Robin believes society still underestimates what blind people can achieve. He sees this in workplaces, education and even from well-meaning families worried about a loved one's future.
Chris McCausland's success on Strictly Come Dancing is a case in point. While many sighted viewers saw it as almost impossible, Sir Robin recognised the determination, practice and spatial awareness behind his achievement.
Rather than seeing one exceptional individual, he hopes people begin to recognise the potential that exists within all blind and vision-impaired people.
Be part of the future
The future Sir Robin describes won't happen by chance. It depends on investment in pioneering research, innovation and people living with vision loss themselves.
That investment comes from people like you. Whether you're taking on a marathon, organising your own fundraiser or attending one of our events, you’re helping Fight for Sight fund groundbreaking eye research and projects that bring us closer to a future where everyone can thrive.
Together, we can Save Sight. Change Lives.
