Sight Scotland Veterans (SSV) supports veterans who have a sight impairment.

Veterans

This includes men and women who served in the Army, Navy, RAF, Reserves (TA), including National Service - people in military roles who have been employed by the Ministry of Defence. Some people who were in the Merchant Navy during times of war have also been commandeered by the military to serve during conflicts and would also therefore be classed as military veterans. We at Sight Scotland Veterans are happy to discuss technicalities with individuals if there are any questions about the service types.

Sight Impairment

We would look at supporting any veteran that has an eye condition which affects their everyday living, such as preventing them from driving or reading text. We can look at providing short term support for people with reversible sight issues, such as cataracts and longer term support for people with permanent sight impairment, such as caused by macular degeneration, glaucoma or as a result of a stroke or diabetes. Again, we are happy to discuss eligibility with an individual.

Significantly, the majority of SSV members are National Service Veterans - most men aged 79 and over today will have been required to undertake National Service and are therefore are classed as being “veterans”. Many of this group of veterans don’t recognise themselves as being a veteran so don’t know they are entitled to support from SSV in the event of them developing a sight problem.

Whilst SSV supports veterans who lost their sight during and/or as a consequence of their time in service, most developed sight problems a long time after service due to age related eye conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma or through other health related problems such as stroke or diabetes.

https://sightscotland.org.uk/veterans/how-we-can-help/our-centres/hawkhead-centre

https://sightscotland.org.uk/veterans-contact-us